A simple method using alizarin red S for the detection of calcium in epoxy resin embedded tissue.
This report presents a simple procedure for staining 1-2 microns epoxy plastic sections of cells and mineralizing matrix present in fetal bovine bone tissue cultures. A 0.3% aqueous toluidine blue O solution was used as a cellular stain and was followed with 2% alizarin red S for the detection of calcium at sites of mineralization. Effects of concentration and pH of alizarin red S on the penetration of epon embedded thick sections were investigated. Optimal staining was achieved with a 2% aqueous alizarin red S solution adjusted to a pH of 5.5-6.5. This staining procedure provides unusually clear contrast between mineral and bone cells in plastic sections for light microscopy.
D000818:Animals; D000880:Anthraquinones; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000032:analysis*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D002417:Cattle; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012996:Solutions; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D014048:Tolonium Chloride
D000880:Anthraquinones; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D012996:Solutions; D014048:Tolonium Chloride; C004468:Alizarin Red S; C004875:EPON; D002118:Calcium