A rapid methylene blue-basic fuchsin stain for semi-thin sections of peripheral nerve and other tissues

Differential histological staining of various tissues is achieved in epon, araldite or glycol methacrylate sections 0.25-0.5 mu thick, from human, guinea-pig and rat origin. The staining procedure is as follows: 1% methylene blue in 1% borax 15-30 sec at 70 degrees C; wash in hot water; 2% basic fuchsin in distilled water 1-2 min at room temperature; wash and mount in DPX. Results: with all tissues: nuclei pale violet, cytoplasm blue. Special histological components : collagen red, myelin deep blue, elastin deep violet, axoplasm pale blue. Although of general utility the method is especially useful for peripheral nerve and blood vessels.