[Histonet] Bone/cartilage/epithelial tissue stain

[Rui TAHARA]

Hi, 
Would anyone suggest me what staining is
best to color differentiate between cartilage and bone and epithelial tissues
in avian embryos? 

I have been trying Mallory Trichrome for
embryos but recently I was suggested that Mallory Trichrome stains cartilage differently
in embryos compared to adult samples since Aniline blue stains fiber that may
not develop in early embryos. There is some protocol that modified the Mallory Trichrome
that could be applied to embryos. However, the resulting colors of all tissues
look all purple-ish and difficult to tell the cartilage from the weak blue
stain from aniline blue. 

Currently I am thinking to try out Alcian
blue/Hematoxylin and Eosin stain (Ehrlich’s hematoxylin). The purpose of the
staining is to look at interaction between ossification and epithelial development
so I think alcian blue for staining cartilage works but I am wondering if there
is any other staining combination with alcian blue exist for visualizing bone
and epithelial tissue (e,g. alcian blue/alizarine red with other staining?). 

 

Any suggestion would be appreciated! 

Rui TAHARA
PhD Candidate 
Biology Department
McGill University