A Direct Silver Method for the Golgi Apparatus

Abstract

Direct immersion of fresh tissue in a solution of silver in formalin at pH 4, followed by development in hydroquinone-formalin, results in consistent silvering of the Golgi apparatus. The time required depends on the penetration of the tissue, two hours for each step being adequate for routine purposes. Proper general fixation of the tissue is enhanced by returning it to a fixative for the customary periods of time. A weak solution of iron alum is suggested as a convenient method for reducing the intensity of the silver image in sections, when that is desired. Replacing the silver image with gold allows it to survive more drastic subsequent treatment, such as periodic acid oxidation.