CYTOCHEMICAL METHODS FOR COPPER - SEMIQUANTITATIVE SCREENING-PROCEDURE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ABNORMAL COPPER LEVELS IN LIVER

Abstract

Three previously described histochemical methods for the localization of Cu were examined for applicability in the semiquantitative evaluation of Cu levels in human tissue. Liver tissue obtained at autopsy was stained using dimethylaminobenzylidene rhodanine, rubeanic acid and diethyldithiocarbamate procedures. The effects of method and time of fixation, staining, incubation time and variations in procedures were evaluated. Cu levels in tissues examined were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Each staining method was evaluated for sensitivity, reproducibility and linearity. The rhodanine method was found to produce the most reproducible results, and a linear relationship between microscopical evaluation of the stain and actual tissue Cu levels was observed. The rhodanine Cu method is applicable for the semiquantitative evaluation of tissue Cu and provides a satisfactory screening method for the identification of abnormal tissue Cu levels.