THE FORMALDEHYDE CONDENSATION METHOD FOR THE HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION FOR TISSUE MONOAMINES

Abstract

The color of the fluorescence of the condensation products formed in situ was examined using a variety of filter combinations. It was found that in situ as in vitro the fluorescence color of the adrenergic amines was in the blue part of the spectrum (470-500 mil). This could be best demonstrated with monochromatic interference filters which isolated the 405 mjn line of the mercury lamp. There was no difference in the fluorescence color between norepinephrine-containing (rat) and epinephrine-containing (frog) sympathetic fibers. Cells containing 5-OH-tryptamine exhibited a yellow fluorescence (560-580 m/x) which was optimal when the 365 m/x mercury line was used for excitation.