title: Staining reaction for beta-galactosidase in immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization.
abstract: beta-galactosidase, revealed by an indigo blue reaction product, represents a valid tracer in immunohistochemistry. Observations on the instability of the indigo precipitate led us to investigate this phenomenon. We conclude that avoiding of xylene, and mounting of the preparates in Histoclear (a xylene substitute) and Canada balsam (instead of synthetic resin mountants) yields a sharp and stable indigo precipitate. In addition, we propose a sensitive alternative staining procedure for beta-galactosidase, based on TNBT reduction and precipitation. These reactions can be used both in immunohistochemistry and in in situ hybridization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gugliotta
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pacchioni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bussolati
mesh_terms: D005696:Galactosidases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D005696:Galactosidases