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Unna’s Stain for Plasma Cells

Unna's Stain

for Plasma Cells

5
steps
6
materials

Materials

Staining Solution

MaterialAmount
Distilled water100mL
Phenol0.5g
Glycerol20mL
Ethanol, absolute2.5mL
Pyronin Y0.25g
Methyl green0.15g

Preparation

  1. Place both dyes in a mortar, add the ethanol and grind together.
  2. Heat the glycerol to 50°C and add small volumes to the dyes while grinding.
  3. Dissolve the phenol in the water and wash the dyes from the mortar. Filter.

Tissue Sample

Most fixatives should be satisfactory.

Protocol

  1. Bring sections to water via xylene and ethanol.
  2. Place into the staining solution at 30°C for 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse briefly with water.
  4. Place in absolute ethanol until differentiated.
  5. Clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected Results

  • Nuclei  –  violet
  • Plasma cell cytoplasm  –  red
  • Other cell cytoplasm  –  pink

Notes

  • In their description of this method, Carleton and Leach omit the method of preparation, implying that the trituration of the dyes may not be necessary.

Safety Note

Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.

References

  1. Gray, Peter. (1954)
    The Microtomist’s Formulary and Guide. p. 355
    Originally published by: The Blakiston Co.
    Republished by: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
  2. Carleton, H M, and Leach, E H, (1938).
    Histological technique., Ed. 2.
    Oxford University Press, London, England.