What is the significance of pH in histological staining?
The pH of staining solutions can significantly impact the binding affinity of dyes to tissue components. For instance, hematoxylin, commonly used in H&E staining, requires a slightly acidic to neutral pH for optimal nuclear staining. In contrast, eosin works best in slightly acidic conditions to stain cytoplasmic elements. Maintaining the appropriate pH ensures that staining is both specific and intense, allowing clear differentiation of tissue structures under the microscope.
