Preparation and Use of Aldehyde Fuchsin Stain in the Dry Form

Abstract

A three-day old aldehyde fuchsin staining solution (Gomori, 1950) was precipitated in a separatory funnel by adding 50 ml. of chloroform and 200 ml. of distilled water to each 100 ml. of the staining solution. The mixture was shaken, allowed to settle and the precipitate-bearing layer filtered through paper. The precipitate was dried at 50°C, scraped from the paper and stored in a stoppered vial. To use, 0.5 g. of the dry stain was dissolved in 100 ml. of 70% ethanol containing 1 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. In the dry form, the dye has retained its property of staining thyrotroph cells and neurosecretory substance in the hypophysis of the rat for several months.