A Modification of the Aldehyde Fuchsin and Orcein Stains for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Tissue and a Proposed Chemical Mechanism

Abstract

This study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the proposed mechanism of the modified orcein and modified aldehyde fuchsin procedures for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Two successful procedures for staining HBsAg are detailed. A proposed mechanism for the reaction was delineated in an attempt to understand the staining process. Numerous stains and oxidizers were tried to ascertain whether any other combinations were usable. The oxidizers and stains indicate the validity of the proposed mechanism over previous mechanisms that were postulated. Included is the proposed mechanism of sulfonic acid residues along with the rejected mechanism of sulfhydryl groups.