Elastin stain (Verhoeff's-van Gieson)
Elastin stains, such as Verhoeff’s-van Gieson, are used specifically to reveal elastin, a major protein component of elastic fibers and sheets. The specificity of the stain is due to the unique chemical properties of elastin and results in elastin staining a black or brown color. In this image of an elastic artery, sheets of elastic tissue alternate with layers of smooth muscle cells. Elastic artery 400x
Elastic sheets
Elastin stains, such as Verhoeff’s-van Gieson, are used specifically to reveal elastin, a major protein component of elastic fibers and sheets. The specificity of the stain is due to the unique chemical properties of elastin and results in elastin staining a black or brown color. In this image of an elastic artery, sheets of elastic tissue alternate with layers of smooth muscle cells. Elastic artery 400x
Smooth muscle cells
Elastin stains, such as Verhoeff’s-van Gieson, are used specifically to reveal elastin, a major protein component of elastic fibers and sheets. The specificity of the stain is due to the unique chemical properties of elastin and results in elastin staining a black or brown color. In this image of an elastic artery, sheets of elastic tissue alternate with layers of smooth muscle cells. Elastic artery 400x