A modified Warthin-Starry procedure at low pH for melanin.
The Warthin-Starry argyrophilic silver stain peformed at pH 3.2 is a highly effective method for the demonstration of melanin in tissue sections. Eighty-five melanocytic tumors were studied using the Warthin-Starry and the Fontana-Masson procedures. The Warthin-Starry technic stained a greater number of cells in 68% of the tumors, with no loss of cellular detail. Twenty-three per cent of the tumors that appeared amelanotic on hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections were positive for melanin with the Warthin-Starry stain, but negative with the Fontana-Masson technic. The Warthin-Starry stain is more sensitive and specific for melanin than is the Fontana-Masson procedure.
D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000032:analysis*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000032:analysis*; D012834:Silver; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
D008543:Melanins; D012834:Silver