Picrosirius staining plus polarization microscopy, a specific method for collagen detection in tissue sections

LCU Junqueira, G Bignolas, RR Brentani - The Histochemical Journal, 1979 - Springer
LCU Junqueira, G Bignolas, RR Brentani
The Histochemical Journal, 1979Springer
Sirius Red, a strong anionic dye, stains collagen by reacting, via its sulphonic acid groups,
with basic groups present in the collagen molecule. The elongated dye molecules are
attached to the collagen fibre in such a way that their long axes are parallel. This parallel
relationship between dye and collagen results in an enhanced birefringency. Examination of
tissue sections from 15 species of vertebrates suggests that staining with Sirius Red, when
combined with enhancement of birefringency, may be considered specific for collagen. An …
Synopsis
Sirius Red, a strong anionic dye, stains collagen by reacting, via its sulphonic acid groups, with basic groups present in the collagen molecule. The elongated dye molecules are attached to the collagen fibre in such a way that their long axes are parallel. This parallel relationship between dye and collagen results in an enhanced birefringency.
Examination of tissue sections from 15 species of vertebrates suggests that staining with Sirius Red, when combined with enhancement of birefringency, may be considered specific for collagen. An improved and modified method of staining with Sirius Red is presented.
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