metallic Protocols

Category: Neuroscience Protocols: Neuronal Stains Protocols: Stains for Senile Plaques Protocols

A silver stain to demonstrate neurofibrillary tangles, nerve fibers and senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. The nerve fibers are sensitized with a silver solution.  The sections are treated with ammoniacal silver, and then reduced to a visible metallic silver. - [Read Bielschowsky Technique for Senile Plaques Protocol]

Category: Neuroscience Protocols: Neuronal Stains Protocols

Protargol-S (silver proteinate) is used with the addition of copper metal.  The copper replaces the silver in the connective tissue, allowing a greater differentiation between the nerve fibers and the connective tissue.  The silver is reduced with hydroquinone to the visible metallic form.  The sections are toned with gold chloride, the gold chloride is reduced with oxalic acid, increasing the deposit of metallic gold on the sections. - [Read Staining of Nerve Fibers Protocol]