Staining

Question 1

What is Masson’s trichrome used to view?

Answer 1

CT - particularly collagen

Question 2

Describe the colour stainings in Masson’s trichrome

Answer 2

1. Collagen = blue
2. Nuclei = dark brown
3. Muscle tissue = red
4. Cytoplasm = pink

Question 3

What is H&E staining used to view?

Answer 3

Allows localisation of nuclei and extracellular proteins 
1. Nuceli = blue
Purple: 
1. DNA (heterochromatin) in the nucleus 
2. RNA in ribosomes and RER 
Pink: 
1. Cytoplasmic proteins
2. Cytoplasmic filaments in muscle cells
3. Intracellular membranes 
4. Exracellular fibres

Question 4

What are the two dyes used in H&E staining?

Answer 4

1. Haemotoxylin - basic dye; a dye called hematein used in oc combination with Al3+ ions
2. Eosin - acidic dye; negatively charged, reacts with +ve charged (acidophilic components in the tissue)

Question 5

Which structures stain pink and why?

Answer 5

Eosin binds to the basic structure and stains them pink

Question 6

Which structures (general) stain purple and why?

Answer 6

Acidic structures stain purple are haemotoxylin binds to them