Maxwell's trichrome
for Pituitary Cells

Solutions

Solution A
Acid fuchsin 1 g
Distilled water 100 mL
Solution B
Ammonia (0.880) 0.02 mL
Distilled water 100 mL
Solution C
Hydrochloric acid (Conc.) 0.1 mL
Distilled water 100 mL
Solution D
Phosphomolybdic acid 0.5 g
Distilled water 100 mL
Solution E
Orange G 2 g
Aniline blue 2 g
Phosphomolybdic acid 1 g
Distilled water 100 mL
Maxwell's fluid
Cedarwood oil 30 mL
Thyme oil 40 mL
Xylene 15 mL
Ethanol, absolute 15 mL

Fixation
Heidenhain's (Zenker formol) fixation was specified.
Other mercuric chloride fixatives would likely be satisfactory.

Tissue sample
Paraffin sections at 5µ are suitable.

Method

  1. Bring sections to water via xylene and ethanol.
  2. Place into solution A for 30 minute.
  3. Rinse with distilled water.
  4. Place into solution B until differentiated.
  5. Place into solution C for a few seconds.
  6. Place into solution D for 3 minutes.
  7. Place into solution E for 60 minutes.
  8. Rinse with distilled water.
  9. Differentiate with 95% ethanol.
  10. Dehydrate with ethanol.
  11. Clear with Maxwell's fluid or xylene.
  12. Mount with Canada balsam or other resinous medium.

Expected results
Not given, but likely:–

Notes

  1. Maxwell's fluid was originally specified for clearing, but this is probably not necessary.

Reference

Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist's Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by:– The Blakiston Co.
Republished by:– Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
  Citing:–
    Maxwell, (1938)
    Stain Technology, vol. 13, pp. 93

 


 
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Last updated May 2005.