H&E stain (hematoxylin and eosin stain)
Histology refers to the study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues, most often done by examining cells and tissues by sectioning and staining, followed by examination under a light microscope or electron microscope.
Hematoxylin and eosin staining is a popular staining method in histology. The staining method involves application of hemalum, which is a complex formed from aluminum ions and oxidized haematoxylin. This colors nuclei of cells (and a few other objects, such as keratohyalin granules) blue. The nuclear staining is followed by counterstaining with an aqueous or alcoholic solution of eosin Y, which colors other, eosinophilic structures in various shades of red, pink and orange.
The staining of nuclei by hemalum does not require the presence of DNA and is probably due to binding of the dye-metal complex to arginine-rich basic nucleoproteins such as histones. The eosinophilic structures are generally composed of intracellular or extracellular protein. Most of the cytoplasm is eosinophilic.
Summary:
Haematoxylin: Binds basic nucleoproteins (i.e. histones) to stain nuclei blue
Eosin Y: Binds and stains remaining proteinacious eosinophilic stuctures which are distinguished by varying degrees of stain intensity and colour.
Hematoxylin and eosin staining is a popular staining method in histology. The staining method involves application of hemalum, which is a complex formed from aluminum ions and oxidized haematoxylin. This colors nuclei of cells (and a few other objects, such as keratohyalin granules) blue. The nuclear staining is followed by counterstaining with an aqueous or alcoholic solution of eosin Y, which colors other, eosinophilic structures in various shades of red, pink and orange.
The staining of nuclei by hemalum does not require the presence of DNA and is probably due to binding of the dye-metal complex to arginine-rich basic nucleoproteins such as histones. The eosinophilic structures are generally composed of intracellular or extracellular protein. Most of the cytoplasm is eosinophilic.
Summary:
Haematoxylin: Binds basic nucleoproteins (i.e. histones) to stain nuclei blue
Eosin Y: Binds and stains remaining proteinacious eosinophilic stuctures which are distinguished by varying degrees of stain intensity and colour.