Alpha-1-antitrypsin hematoxylin and eosin fluorescence: a rapid, useful screening technic

Sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin from seven liver biopsies and two ovarian mixed mesodermal tumors containing alpha-1-antitrypsin globules were examined by fluorescent microscopy. Al-AT globules readily were seen in all biopsies and fluoresced brightly. Megamitochondria and acidophil bodies in liver biopsies also fluoresced but were distinguished easily by their morphology and topographic location. Normal liver biopsies contained no fluorescent bodies. It is concluded that examination of routine hematoxylin and eosin stained sections by fluorescent microscopy is a rapid convenient screening method for the detection of al-AT globules. Acidophil bodies and megamitochondria also are seen by this method.