A STAINING TECHNIQUE FOR AUTORADIOGRAPHS OF NONDIFFUSIBLE ISOTOPES

Abstract

Nondeparaffinized radioactive tissue sections are stained with hematoxylin and eosin by being floated on aqueous solutions for 1 hr each. The sections are then thoroughly washed, dried and exposed to autoradiographic plates or emulsions for predetermined periods of time. When desirable, both stained and unstained adjacent tissue sections can be mounted on a single slide of autoradiographic plate for exposure. Kodak DK-19 and 30% Na₂S₂O₃.5H₂O solutions are used for subsequent developing and fixing. The finished autoradiographs show excellent resolution and cytologic detail, since the gelatin remains unstained while the tissue retains its stain. Stains other than hematoxylin and eosin can be applied to this technique, provided they withstand the developmental and fixation processes.