An Improved Lead-Tetraacetate:Schiff Procedure

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Abstract
Sections from tissues fixed in a 10% solution of formalin in 90% alcohol were treated with lead tetraacetate (PbAc4) in different solvents: glacial acetic acid, dilute acetic acid, methanol, ethanol, toluene and benzene. The excess reagent was removed with a 2% solution of ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) at pH 8. The sections were then stained with Schiff's reagent for 20 minutes. The chemical stability of PbAc4 in different solvents, the effect of its concentration and the time of exposure on the intensity of the Schiff reaction, were studied. A 0.023 N solution of PbAc4 in benzene with a reaction time of 5 minutes is recommended. The stability of PbAc4 in benzene permitted such solutions to be used for 3–4 days. Satisfactory results were obtained with mammalian tissues, algae, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Some of the preparations obtained by using the technics described are illustrated in an accompanying plate of photomicrographs.

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