Discriminative staining methods for the nervous system: luxol fast blue--periodic acid-Schiff--hematoxylin triple stain and subsidiary staining methods

Stain Technol. 1987 Sep;62(5):305-15. doi: 10.3109/10520298709108015.

Abstract

This paper describes a new series of staining methods which can discriminatively demonstrate every structure of the nervous system, including axons and capillaries, in animal and human materials. Methods described in this paper consist of one primary stain, luxol fast blue-periodic acid Schiff-hematoxylin (LPH) and six different subsidiary staining methods. The LPH triple stain can precisely differentiate the following structures: neurons (Nissl bodies, cytoplasm, nuclear membrane and nucleolus), various kinds of nuclei (glia, ependyma, endothelium, leucocyte, connective tissue, etc.), myelin sheaths, neuronal processes (axons and dendrites), reacted glial cell bodies (protoplasmic astrocytes, foamy cells, etc.), blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries), meninges, intervening connective tissue, erythrocytes, lipofuscin granules, amyloid bodies, and others. Subsidiary staining methods are also described briefly. Applications are discussed in the context of staining technology and neuromorphological research.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hematoxylin
  • Histological Techniques
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Indoles
  • Nervous System / cytology*
  • Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction
  • Staining and Labeling*

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Indoles
  • Luxol Fast Blue MBS
  • Hematoxylin