Selective Staining of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Thick Epoxy Sections of Liver

Abstract

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HB₂Ag) in epoxy-embedded liver tissues can be stained by aldehyde-fuchsin stain. Sections are oxidized in KMnO₄ acidified with H₂SO₄, then bleached in NaHSO₃, both at 70 C. Heating for oxidation and bleaching are absolutely necessary. Diluted aldehyde-fuchsin stain adjusted to pH 1.5 to 1.8 with NaOH is used for staining. HB_sAg is specifically stained purple. Other components such as mitochondria and bile pigments are also stained, but are easily distinguished from HB_sAg. This staining method is advantageous for the identification of HB_sAg-positive cells for electron microscopic observation.