There are several types of stains used in histology, each with specific applications and advantages:
1. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E): This is the most commonly used staining technique. Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue-purple, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink. 2. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS): PAS staining is used to detect polysaccharides such as glycogen and mucosubstances like glycoproteins, glycolipids, and mucins in tissues. 3. Masson's Trichrome: This stain differentiates collagen (blue or green) from muscle fibers (red), making it useful for studying connective tissues. 4. Silver Staining: Used for visualizing certain types of proteins and nerve fibers. Silver stains are often employed in neuropathology. 5. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses antibodies specific to antigens in the tissue, allowing for the localization of proteins, enzymes, and other molecules.
