A DIFFERENTIAL STAINING METHOD FOR A- AND B-CELLS IN THE PANCREATIC ISLETS OF LANGERHANS

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Abstract
An improved modification upon Ivic''s method (1959) for differentially staining A- and B-cells in [human] pancreatic islets of Langerhans is described. In accordance with the usual procedure, pancreas tissue is fixed in Bouin''s fluid, washed in 70% alcohol, and then dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. After being mordanted in Bouin''s fluid containing 3-5% chrome alum for 24 h or more at 37.degree. C, sections are moderately oxidized in an equal mixture of 0.3% potassium permanganate and 0.3% sulfuric acid for 3-5 min. As proposed by Ivic, a Victoria blue solution is used to exclusively stain the B-cells blue. In this case, the solution is allowed to ripen for at least 10 days after mixing before use. A-cells are then stained deep red with a 0.5% aqueous solution of phloxine for 30-120 s without any differentiation. After treatment with a 5% aqueous solution of phosphotungstic acid for 1-2 min, sections are stained in 0.5% aqueous solution of light green for 1-2 min in order that the collagenous elements obtain a green color. This modified method produces a good differential staining of A- and B-cells more easily and more consistently than does Ivic''s original method.

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