Elastin Stains Flashcards
What is the theory being the Verhoeff Elastin Stain?
Tissue overstained with iodine-ferric chloride-hematoxylin solution. Ferric chloride is mordant and differentiator, iodine oxidizes hematoxylin and elastin. Elastin is the last element to be decolorized due to strong affinity. Iodine is removed by sodium thiosulfate.
What does elastin stain in the Verhoeff’s Elastin Stain?
Elastin stains black
If using a Van Gieson counterstain for Verhoeff’s Elastin Stain, what would collagen and muscle stain as respectively?
Red and Yellow, respectively
To prevent overdifferentiation in the Verhoeff’s Elastin Stain, what color should the background remain?
Light grey - microscopically differentiate them.
What causes elastin fibers to be poorly stained in Verhoeff’s Elastin Stain?
Over-differentiation in Ferric Chloride (return ton Verhoeff’s solution, try again), too long in counterstain, slides cut too far in advance of staining
What is the Verhoeff Elastin Stain used to demonstrate?
Normal elastin (identify small arteries or veins) and detect pathological changes in elastin.
What is Gomori’s Aldehyde Fuchsin used to demonstrate?
Elastin fibers through means of hydrogen bonding, less understood than Verhoeff’s stain
What is the theory behind Gomori’s Aldehyde Fuchsin?
Aldehyde fuchsin ripens (2-4 days), used progressively to demonstrate elastin. Oxidation with potassium permanganate will intensify staining, not required.
What does elastin stain with in Gomori’s Aldehyde Fuchsin?
Purple
What do other tissue elements stain with in Gomori’s Aldehyde Fuchsin?
Green (depending on the counter stain)
What causes elastin fibers to be poorly stained in Gomori’s Aldehyde Fuchsin?
Old/Improperly stored Aldehyde fuchsin (store at 4 degrees), Paraldehyde is too old (part of aldehyde fuchsin), slides cut too far in advance. Depending on age of solution, staining times vary.
If a person was to differentiate if this stain was used progressively, what would you use to differentiate it?
70% alcohol
