Acidophile (histology)
Histological term for cells that stain readily with acid dyes
Acidophile in histology refers to cells and tissues that have an affinity for acidic dyes. These cells are characterized by their ability to stain readily with acidic dyes such as eosin, which is commonly used in hematoxylin and eosin staining. Acidophilic cells are typically contrasted with basophilic cells, which stain with basic dyes.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Acidophilic cells contain a high concentration of cytoplasmic proteins and structures that bind to acidic dyes. These dyes are negatively charged and interact with positively charged components within the cell, such as cytoplasmic proteins and mitochondria. The staining results in a pink or red coloration, which is a hallmark of acidophilic cells.
Examples of Acidophilic Cells[edit | edit source]
In histology, several types of cells are known for their acidophilic properties:
- Erythrocytes: The cytoplasm of erythrocytes stains intensely with eosin due to the presence of hemoglobin.
- Parietal cells: Found in the stomach, these cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid and stain acidophilic due to their abundant mitochondria.
- Hepatocytes: Liver cells that show acidophilic staining due to their rich cytoplasmic content.
Staining Techniques[edit | edit source]
The most common staining technique that highlights acidophilic cells is the H&E stain. In this method, hematoxylin stains the nuclei blue (basophilic), while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink (acidophilic). This contrast allows for the differentiation of cellular components and is widely used in pathology and histopathology.
Comparison with Other Staining Properties[edit | edit source]
Acidophilic staining is one of several staining properties used to classify cells:
- Basophilic: Cells that stain with basic dyes, such as hematoxylin, due to the presence of nucleic acids and ribosomes.
- Chromophobic: Cells that do not readily stain with either acidic or basic dyes.
- Amphophilic: Cells that can stain with both acidic and basic dyes.
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