Nucleolar Stain and Nucleal Reaction

Abstract

In the Feulgen and Light Green staining technique of Semmens and Bhaduri, the use of an alkali (Na meta-bisulphate) as a mordant for the nucleoli makes all the difference between an ordinary counterstain, as used by others, and a specific stain for nucleoli. Various chemical aspects of this staining technique are entered into and difficulties are pointed out, with their chemical reasons. The method is essentially (1) the Feulgen stain (without acetic acid fixation), (2) the alkali mordant for the nucleoli, (3) the use of a green dye as a specific stain for nucleolin.