Hematoksüliin

Hematoksüliin is a natural dye extracted from the heartwood of logwood trees, primarily Haematoxylum campechianum. It is commonly used in histology and microscopy as a nuclear stain. In its oxidized form, known as hematein, it forms complexes with acidic components of cells, particularly deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within the cell nucleus. This binding results in a purplish-blue or violet coloration of the nucleus, making cellular structures more visible under a microscope.

The staining process typically involves immersing tissue samples in a hematoxylin solution, often with an oxidizing agent and an acidic mordant like aluminum sulfate. The mordant helps to fix the dye to the cellular structures. Hematoxylin is a crucial component of many staining techniques, most notably the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain, which is a gold standard in histopathology for examining tissue morphology and diagnosing diseases. Different formulations of hematoxylin exist, varying in their chemical composition and staining characteristics, allowing for a range of shades and intensities. The quality and stability of hematoxylin solutions can be influenced by factors such as pH, age, and oxidation state.