STAINING, PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL 



SILVER NITRATE 



For controlled differentiation of cells and connective 

 tissue fibres in silver staining 



(After E. E. Lascano, i960) 



Solutions required: 



A. Potassium permanganate, 1% aqueous 



B. Oxalic acid, 5% aqueous 



or: 

 Potassium metabisulphate, 2% aqueous 



C. Iron alum, 2% aqueous 



D. Silver nitrate, 5% aqueous 



E. Methanamine, 3% aqueous 



F. GomorVs methenamine silver [Gomori, 1946) 

 Solution D . . . . . . 5 ml. 



Solution E . . . . 100 ml. 



Shake until the heavy white precipitate disappears. 

 The solution will keep in the refrigerator for many 

 months. 



Note: When the solution is taken out of the refriger- 

 ator the precipitate will have reformed, but this will re- 

 dissolve on shaking when the temperature of the solution 

 rises to room temperature. 



Sprinkle the gelatine on the surface of the water ; stir 

 until dissolved; then add the formaldehyde. 



I. {Optional) Gold chloride (brown 

 or yellow), 0-2% aqueous 



J. [Optional) Sodium thiosulphate, 5% 



K. {Optional) Eosin or erythrosin, 

 1% aqueous 



410 



