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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
A Colorimetric Method for Measuring Iron Content in Plants
Published on: September 7, 2018
[Histochemical detection of hepatic iron. A comparative study of four stains]
B Turlin1, O Loreal, R Moirand
1Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques B, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Rennes.
Abstract:
Due to its specificity and easiness, Perls' stain is widely used in the histochemical assessment of liver iron content. However, it can underestimate slight iron overload, which can hamper screening for genetic hemochromatosis, especially in young people. The aim for the present study was to compare Perls' stain to three other specific iron stains (Tirmann-Schmeltzer (TRM); Hukill and Putt (HPT); Perls with Diaminobenzidine (DAB)), biochemical liver iron concentration (LIC) being used as the reference. 1) There is a significant difference between number of stained cells with TRM or DAB, compare with Perls' stain (p < 0.05). 2) Correlation (r) between histological assessment (T) and LIC was 0.39 for Perls' stain, 0.64 for TRM 0.53 for HPT and 0.64 for DAB. These data suggest that Perls' stain is not the most sensitive method for the assessment of slight iron overload. Tirmann-Schmeltzer's stain and Perls plus dAB should be preferred, especially in the screening of early liver siderosis.
Insights
Perls' stain may underestimate slight liver iron overload. Tirmann-Schmeltzer (TRM) and Perls with Diaminobenzidine (DAB) stains are more sensitive for detecting early liver siderosis and genetic hemochromatosis screening.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Perls' stain is standard for liver iron assessment but may miss early iron overload.
- Underestimation of iron can hinder genetic hemochromatosis screening, particularly in younger individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sensitivity of Perls' stain against three other iron stains: Tirmann-Schmeltzer (TRM), Hukill and Putt (HPT), and Perls with Diaminobenzidine (DAB).
- To evaluate the efficacy of these stains in assessing liver iron concentration (LIC) using biochemical analysis as the gold standard.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical staining of liver tissue using Perls', TRM, HPT, and DAB methods.
- Quantitative assessment of stained cells and correlation with biochemical liver iron concentration (LIC).
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in stained cell counts between TRM or DAB and Perls' stain (p < 0.05).
- Correlation coefficients (r) between histological assessment and LIC were: Perls' stain (0.39), TRM (0.64), HPT (0.53), and DAB (0.64).
Conclusions:
- Perls' stain is not the most sensitive method for detecting slight iron overload.
- Tirmann-Schmeltzer's stain and Perls with DAB are recommended for improved assessment of early liver siderosis and genetic hemochromatosis screening.
