STAINING PROPERTIES OF ALDEHYDE FUCHSIN ANALOGS

The role of the aldehyde component of aldehyde fuchsin in staining reactions was studied. Several aldehyde fuchsin analogs were prepared using different aldehydes. The staining quality of these analogs and p-rosaniline-HCl was compared with that of standard aldehyde fuchsin prepared with paraldehyde. Aldehyde fuchsin staining of nonoxidized [golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)] pancreatic B cells requires a stain prepared with either paraldehyde or acetaldehyde. An aldehyde moiety is required for aldehyde fuchsin staining of strong tissue anions. Staining of elastic tissue with aldehyde fuchsin analogs resembles staining of strong tissue anions more than staining of nonoxidized pancreatic B cells. Possible reaction mechanisms of aldehyde fuchsin with tissue substrates are discussed.