In Verhoeff's Van Gieson staining, what color is elastin?

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Multiple Choice

In Verhoeff's Van Gieson staining, what color is elastin?

Explanation:
Verhoeff's Van Gieson staining is used to differentiate elastic fibers from collagen and other tissue components. The elastic fibers are stained by the Verhoeff component, which is based on iron hematoxylin, giving elastin a dark black color. The Van Gieson counterstain then colors collagen red and other tissue yellow, so elastic fibers remain black against the pink/red collagen and yellow background. This is why elastin appears black in this stain.

Verhoeff's Van Gieson staining is used to differentiate elastic fibers from collagen and other tissue components. The elastic fibers are stained by the Verhoeff component, which is based on iron hematoxylin, giving elastin a dark black color. The Van Gieson counterstain then colors collagen red and other tissue yellow, so elastic fibers remain black against the pink/red collagen and yellow background. This is why elastin appears black in this stain.

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