July Image of the Month

YOU BE THE PATHOLOGIST!

What is this histologic staining and which structure with a labyrinthic shape does it highlight?

ANSWER

Hematoxylin-eosin-saffron staining in the rete mirabile!

Hematoxylin-eosin-saffron (HE&S) staining was used to stain this histological section of the brain. This image shows the rete mirabile which translates to “wonderful net” in Latin, and it refers to a remarkable network of blood vessels located at the base of the brain. HE&S staining allows collagen fibers (in bright orange) to be distinguished from surrounding tissues with high contrast in a large variety of tissue samples.

While commonly found in sheep and pigs, the rete mirabile is an extremely rare occurrence in humans. This intricate vascular structure surrounds the pituitary gland and holds great potential for innovators working on neurovascular interventions, particularly during the preclinical stage when guidewires need to be challenged.

HE&S, original magnification: x10, scale bar: 100 µm.

In the Vascular arena, Veranex Preclinical Services stands out for its extensive expertise in working with neurovascular, carotid, coronary and peripheral technologies at human scale, in normal as well as in pathologic models.

This histopathology image is one example from the comprehensive suite of Pathology Services offered by Veranex Preclinical Services’ in-house team of Veterinary Pathologists.

If you are interested in learning more about our preclinical research and pathology services, we encourage you to get in touch with us. We would be delighted to discuss your specific needs and plans.