The Staining of the Synaptonemal Complex for Light Microscopic Study in the Mouse

Abstract
Demonstration of the synaptonemal complex [using mouse gonadal cells] for light microscopy has until now been based on staining with Ag. After fixation at pH 9-10 it is possible to visualize synaptonemal complexes with several nonspecific protein stains such as Coomassie brilliant blue, Giemsa, fast green, light green and Stains All. Although staining with Ag gives the best contrast between synaptonemal complexes and the background, the other dyes have a number of advantages, such as more even staining, easy extractability and lower cost than Ag.