hematoxilina

Hematoxylin is a basic dye used in histology and cytology to stain cell nuclei blue. It is a component of the commonly used hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining method, which is widely employed in pathology to differentiate cell types and structures. Hematoxylin is derived from the heartwood of the logwood tree (Haematoxylon campechianum) and is extracted using various solvents, such as ethanol or alcohol. The dye binds to the acidic groups of nucleic acids, particularly DNA, within the cell nucleus, resulting in a characteristic blue color. The staining process involves the application of hematoxylin to tissue sections, followed by differentiation with an acidic solution to enhance the blue color. Hematoxylin is also used in other staining techniques, such as the Feulgen reaction, which detects DNA. Its ability to selectively stain cell nuclei makes hematoxylin an essential tool in the study of cellular morphology and pathology.