Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome stain

Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome stain is a histological stain used in microscopy to differentiate between various tissue components by colouring them in different hues. It is named after the German histologist, Robert Heidenhain, who developed the technique.

Overview

The AZAN trichrome stain is a variant of the Mallory's trichrome stain and is particularly useful for distinguishing between muscle tissue, collagen and cell nuclei. The stain colours muscle tissue red, collagen blue, and cell nuclei black. This allows for a clear visual distinction between these components under a microscope.

Procedure

The procedure for applying Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome stain involves several steps. First, the tissue sample is fixed using a solution such as formalin. It is then dehydrated with alcohol and cleared with xylene. The sample is then infiltrated with paraffin wax to preserve its structure.

The staining process begins with the application of Aniline Blue, which stains collagen. This is followed by the application of Azocarmine G, which stains muscle tissue. Finally, Aniline Black is used to stain cell nuclei.

Applications

Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome stain is widely used in histopathology for the diagnosis of various diseases. It is particularly useful in the study of fibrosis, as it clearly distinguishes between collagen and muscle tissue. It is also used in research to study the structure and function of tissues.

See also

• Histology
• Histopathology
• Staining (biology)