Elastin stain (Verhoeff's-van Gieson)

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

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