Metachromatic staining

 Metachromatic staining

 

 There are certain basic dyes belonging to aniline group that will differentiate particular tissue components by staining them a different color to that of original dye. The phenomenon is known as metachromasia. The tissue element reacting in this manner are said to be exhibiting metachromasia. 

The generally accepted explanation of this phenomenon is that change in color is due to polymerization.

 Sulfated substances are highly metachromatic e.g. Mast cell granules. 

 

These contain Heparin which is highly sulfated. 

Some of the common metachromatic dyes are : 

-  Methylene blue

-  Methyl violent

-  Thionin 

-  Crystal violent 

-  Toluidine blue 

 

Thionin and toluidine blue dyes are commonly used for quick staining of frozen selection using their metachromatic property to stain nucleus and cytoplasm differently. 

 

Tissue components often demonstrated by metachromatic stains : 

-  Amyloid Material : 

         Amyloid refers to the abnormal fibrous, extracellular, proteinaceous deposits found in organs

         and tissues. Amyloid is insoluble.

-  Mast cell granules

      Mast cells granules, also called secretory lysosomes, contain both lysosomal proteins such as.

     acid hydrolases.

      Lysosomes

A lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes. Lysosomes function as the digestive system of the cell, serving both to degrade material taken up from outside the cell and to digest obsolete components of the cell itself.

-  Mucin

     Secreted mucins are highly glycosylated proteins that form a physical barrier, which protects epithelial cells from stress-induced damage.

Mucins are mucopolysaccharides which are explained as long chains of sugar molecules found throughout the body and essential for life and significant in maintaining the structural integrity of bone, cartilage, skin, elastic tissue and membranes 

Transmembrane mucins also contribute to the physical barrier and transmit growth and survival signals to the interior of the cell. 

Mucin and mucin-like domains are also involved in modulating immune response, inflammation, adhesion, and tumorigenesis.

-  Cartilage

 Cartilage is a strong, flexible connective tissue that protects your joints and bones. It acts as a shock absorber throughout your body. Cartilage at the end of your bones reduces friction and prevents them from rubbing together when you use your joints.

 

 

 

 

 https://webpath.med.utah.edu/HISTHTML/MANUALS/TOLUID.PDF

 https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/dmlt/HC/Lesson-12.pdf

 

 

 https://rajswasthya.nic.in/RHSDP%20Training%20Modules/Lab.%20Tech/Histo/Chapter%206.pdf

 

 

 

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