
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

Elastic sheets
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

Smooth muscle cells
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