A Method for Applying Different Stains to Alternate Serial Sections On a Single Microscope Slide

Abstract

Every other section on the slide is coated with an inert grease (Dow Corning 7 Compound). The first staining technique is applied, thus staining the sections not covered with grease. The grease is dissolved in xylene, the slide rehydrated, and the sections already stained are coated with grease. The second staining technique is applied, and the grease is again dissolved in xylene, yielding finally a slide on which alternate sections have been stained by the two different staining techniques. Silicone greases, applied with a syringe and blunt hypodermic needle, are useful coating materials because of their insolubility in water and alcohol, chemical inertness, and heat stability. Silicone coatings are compatible with most staining techniques, including those which use strong oxidants, reductants, acids, bases, enzymes, and high temperatures. The method is particularly useful in examining serial sections of small blocks of tissue, or of tissues varying significantly in structure every few sections.