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A3-1:Liver, India Ink & Toluidine Blue
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| Stain: | India Ink & Toluidine Blue |
| Description: | Section of the liver stained with India ink and toluidine blue. Toluidine blue is a basic stain and therefore stains nuclei, especially heterochromatin and nucleoli. In liver cell (hepatocyte) cytoplasm, toluidine blue also stains RER and free ribosomes--reflecting the significant amount of protein synthesis that takes place in these cells. India ink is used here as a vital stain and the carbon particles in this suspension are ingested (phagocytosis) by liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). Note the placement of the Kupffer cells along the sinusoidal capillaries. (ag01) |
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