title: An alternative method for preparation of Schiff-like reagent from osmium-ammine complex for selective staining of DNA on thin Lowicryl sections.
abstract: Batches of osmium-ammine (OA) complex vary considerably in staining properties when used in a Feulgen-like reaction for selective staining of DNA-containing structures. An alternative procedure for preparation of Schiff-like reagent from OA complex is described. It is based on generation of H2SO3, respectively SO2, within the OA solution and ensures more favorable conditions for production of a Schiff-like stain than bubbling with SO2 does. The method is reproducible and yields high staining intensity. Data obtained suggest that the ability of OA complex to produce Feulgen-like staining is strongly influenced by variations in its chemical composition. Their unfavorable effect can be overcome by selecting suitable conditions for preparation of a Schiff-like reagent. Conditions for obtaining specific and sensitive Feulgen-like staining are determined.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia.
authors.forename: V T
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Mikhaylova
authors.forename: D V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Markov
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D017892:Osmium Compounds; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D017892:Osmium Compounds; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; C076686:osmium ammine; C037883:Lowicryl 4KM resin; D004247:DNA; C005732:thioacetic acid