Modern surgical pathology has expanded beyond histodiagnosis to include multiple basic research facilities at the cellular level. In our unit, histochemistry, electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, tissue culture, tumor transplantation, and gas-phase chromatography are established available techniques. Undoubtedly, other laboratories will offer these and other facilities depending on the local interest and demand. We encourage the practicing physician to apply these investigative techniques at the molecular level, to clinical problems in a cooperative effort. Since clinical material is available sporadically, it is possible for our unit to participate in several studies concurrently.
Through personal contact, the clinician holds the key to a fabulous source of human tissue and fluids for immediate study of clinical problems. His clinical orientation and experience makes him a mandatory participant in modern basic research. In addition, he will continue to evaluate any application obtained through basic investigation.
In studies on the auricular myocardium obtained during open