Hematoxylin Stain Solution (GillⅠ)

Hematoxylin is a basic natural dye that stains cell nuclei. The primary component of nuclear chromatin is DNA; within the double helix structure of DNA, phosphate groups on the two nucleotide chains face outward, causing the exterior of the DNA double helix to carry a negative charge and exhibit acidic properties. Consequently, it readily binds to the positively charged hematoxylin basic dye via ionic or hydrogen bonds, resulting in staining.

This solution is classified as a semi-oxidized hematoxylin solution. It contains a low concentration of hematoxylin and functions as a progressive stain; therefore, hydrochloric acid ethanol differentiation is not required after staining. It is particularly suitable for cytological smear staining.