A Simple Rapid Polychrome Stain for Epoxy-Embedded Tissue

Abstract

Simple, fast, and reliable polychromatic staining of semithin sections from tissues fixed with glutaraldehyde and OsO₄, embedded in epoxy resin, and attached to glass slides has been obtained. The staining solution was prepared a follows: dissolve monobasic sodium phosphate, 0.5 g, basic fuchsin, 0.25 g, and methylene blue, 0.2 g, in 15 ml of 0.5% boric acid solution and 70 ml of distilled water. Ten ml of 0.72% NaOH was added in the above mixture. Sections were stained for 4 to 5 seconds at 45 to 50d`C, and dried after rinsing. When staining is not sufficient, the procedure can be repeated. The method is reproducible and the results stable.