Basic methods in histopathology of joint tissues.

Histological and histochemical methods are important tools in the evaluation of joint tissue samples for degenerative joint diseases, both in humans and in animal models. In this respect, standardized, simple, and reliable techniques are mandatory. This chapter describes five basic staining procedures appropriate for macroscopic (Indian ink) and histologic (HE/hematoxylin - eosin) visualization and scoring of cartilage proteoglycan and collagen content (toluidine blue/safranin O and picrosirius red/Goldner's trichrome).