How do staining techniques aid in identifying cellular and molecular characteristics?
Staining techniques are crucial for highlighting different cellular and molecular features in histological samples. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain is one of the most commonly used methods. Hematoxylin stains the nuclei blue, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink, providing a clear contrast between different tissue components.
Special stains like Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome are used to identify specific chemical components. PAS stain highlights glycogen and other carbohydrates, while Masson's trichrome differentiates between collagen and muscle fibers. These techniques help in diagnosing various diseases by revealing abnormalities in tissue structure and composition.
