Improved contrast in histochemical detection of cytochrome oxidase: metallic ions protocol

I. Divac*, J. Mojsilovic-Petrovic, M. O. López-Figueroa, B. Petrovic-Minic, M. Møller

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The standard current technique for demonstration of cytochrome oxidase (CyOx) provides low-contrast diaminobenzidine (DAB) polymer. In order to enhance the contrast with divalent metalic ions, we have screened a number of buffers and found that Hepes. Mops and cacodylate neither precipitate these ions nor inactivate CyOx in a concentration of 0.1 M. Staining thus obtained shows a broad range of gradations between black and white. With fresh tissue the resulting image is superior to that obtained with the brown DAB product, even if a recommended blue filter or printing on very hard paper are used. The technique is as simple as the one which is currently standard. Fixed tissue, cut either in a cryostat or vibratome, can be stained well when floating but not when mounted on slides. The stained floating tissue can be used for electron microscopy, but has no advantage over the standard method.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)105-113
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods
Volume56
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1995

Keywords

  • Diaminobenzidine
  • Electron microscopy
  • Nickel-ammonium sulfate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

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