Modification of a Haematoxylin, Eosin, and Natural Saffron Staining Method for The Detection of Connective Tissue.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to optimise an existing staining procedure: haematoxylin-eosin saffron (HES). The method follows the classical haematoxylin and eosin protocol with the addition of a staining step using natural saffron to better identify the collagen fibres.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The saffron solution was obtained by dissolving ground saffron stigmas in absolute alcohol. In order to test the HES method for its staining ability on four main types of collagen (I, II, III, and IV), specific tissues (skin, tooth, cartilage, aorta, spleen, and penis) were chosen.

RESULTS

The procedure showed a sharp differentiation between muscle, stained red or pink, and connective tissue, stained bright yellow or orange.

CONCLUSION

HES allows the diagnosis of reticulin fibrosis undetected in HE and in previous saffron staining procedures. HES represents an advantageous alternative to HE staining giving highly reproducible results with high diagnostic value.