Gömöri trichrome stain

Gömöri trichrome stain is a histological staining technique used in microscopy for the differentiation of cellular elements in tissue samples. This method is particularly useful in the identification of muscle fibers, collagen, and fibrin, making it a valuable tool in the study of muscle diseases and the connective tissue.

Overview

The Gömöri trichrome stain is named after George Gömöri, a Hungarian-American pathologist who developed the technique in the mid-20th century. The staining procedure involves the use of three different dyes: chromotrope 2R, fast green FCF, and aniline blue. These dyes selectively stain different components of the tissue, allowing for the detailed examination of muscle pathology and the connective tissue structure.

Procedure

The staining process for Gömöri trichrome involves several steps. Initially, tissue sections are fixed, typically with formaldehyde, to preserve the tissue structure. The sections are then treated with the chromotrope 2R, which stains the nuclei red. Following this, fast green FCF is applied to stain the cytoplasm and collagen green. Finally, aniline blue is used to stain the muscle fibers and fibrin blue. The contrast between these colors allows for the detailed visualization of the tissue components under a microscope.

Applications

Gömöri trichrome stain is widely used in histopathology for the diagnosis of various diseases. It is particularly valuable in the study of muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophies and myopathies, where it helps in identifying abnormalities in muscle fibers. Additionally, it is used in the examination of liver biopsies, where it can highlight fibrosis and cirrhosis by staining collagen fibers. The technique is also applied in the study of kidney diseases to visualize the basement membrane and in the identification of parasites in tissue sections.

Advantages and Limitations

One of the main advantages of the Gömöri trichrome stain is its ability to provide clear differentiation between muscle fibers, collagen, and fibrin, which is crucial for the diagnosis of various pathological conditions. However, the technique has some limitations, including the potential for variability in staining results due to differences in tissue fixation and processing. Additionally, the interpretation of the results requires expertise in histopathology.

See Also

• Histology
• Staining
• Muscular dystrophy
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis