Eosin-Fast Green as a Rapid Stain for Air Dried Mammalian Spermatozoa

Abstract

There have been numerous descriptions of stains for mammalian spermatozoa (e.g., Bedford 1963, Bryan and Akruk 1977, Casarett 1953, Chacov and Mollova 1976). However, although these stains give excellent results, the procedures involved are time-consuming, an undesirable feature for routine use. Casarett's stain (Casarett 1953) only takes about 1 h to perform on previously air dried spermatozoa, but has the disadvantage that the staining solution must be at about 60 C. Bryan (1970) described the use of a combination of eosin Y, fast green and naphthol yellow to stain mammalian spermatozoa, the staining procedure taking 10-60 minutes. Wells and Awa (1970) developed a 'rapid' acrosome stain designed to stain bull spermatozoa suspended in sodium citrate, but did not discuss the staining of previously air dried spermatozoa.