Histochemistry - Principles and Methods Flashcards
Define histochemistry
The study of tissue-chemical interactions involved in the visualisation of cell/tissue components
What is the general aim of histochemical methods of staining?
Formation of stable, coloured compounds at site of component to be detected with clear contrast to other elements present in tissue
Give two methods of staining
Direct bonding
Metal impregnation
Why do we need coloured stains to create contrast?
(5)
Processed tissue and tissue sections are generally colourless
They need to be stained to observe cell and tissue detail, components and structure
Various coloured dyes and stains can be used to identify different components and structures
Many of these methods are based on chemical principles
Allows components/structures to be stained selectively. Often more than one dye or stain is applied.
What are the five main staining methods
Staining by direct binding
Metal impregnation
Lysochrome
Histochemical
Indirect staining methods
What is meant by staining by direct binding?
Bonding, affinity for chromogen (direct and indirect)
Dye-staining
What is the metal impregnation method of staining
Metallic ion staining e.g. silver or gold ions
Staining by adsorption
What is lysochrome method of staining?
Staining by solubility
e/g/ lipid staining (with dyes)
What is meant by histochemical staining?
(4)
Staining by chemical reaction
Insoluble precipitate is formed
Due to substrate creating a chromogen/coloured compound at site of reactivity
Similar to reactions seen in a test tube
What is the indirect staining method
Through antibody or oligonucleotide probe binding to substrate and linking to a chromogen (label)
Immunhistochemistry
What is a chromogen
Colouring agent/chemical
What is a substrate?
Component in tissue or cells which is stained
What is meant by acidophilic?
Bonds to acidic groups/dyes
What is meant by basophilic
Binds to basic groups/dye
What is meant by dichrome
Two colour
What is meant by trichrome
Three colour
Write about the history of dye development
(4)
Majority of dyes now are synthetic/man-made dyes
Originally dyes were only from natural sources
Our synthetic dyes are mainly made from the petrochemical industry: derivatives of benzene
Dyes used in histology are also used in the cosmetic, clothing and food industry
What are the three considerable properties of dyes
Biochemistry of dye -> it’s structure and colour index number
Charge in aqueous solution -> is it neutral, acidic or basic
Mode of staining -> is it progressive or regressive