Introduction

Histology, cytology and other related scientific disciplines study the microscopic anatomy of tissues and cells. In order to demonstrate a good tissue and cellular structure, the samples need to be stained in a correct manner. Orcein dye is used for staining elastic fibers and lamellas. It can also stain plant chromosomes, human sex chromatin, and is used as a stain for cellular nuclei. One of its prominent uses is also demonstrating liver inclusions, especially for hepatitis B antigen, but also for clusters of proteins that contain copper.