Premium
A method for the detection of amyloid in human tissue embedded in epon using a combination of polarizing light microscopy and electron microscopy
Author(s) -
Cottell David C.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1983.tb04238.x
Subject(s) - electron microscope , congo red , microscopy , staining , scanning electron microscope , optical microscope , negative stain , materials science , amyloid (mycology) , birefringence , microscope , polarized light microscopy , optics , chemistry , pathology , medicine , physics , composite material , organic chemistry , adsorption , inorganic chemistry
SUMMARY This paper describes a method for demonstrating amyloid in human tissue embedded in epon using a combination of congo red staining and polarizing microscopy. The method involves the removal of the embedding medium from semi‐thin sections prior to staining with congo red and examination in the polarizing microscope. Typical apple green birefringence was detected in areas of amyloid deposition; these areas were mapped for selective trimming and ultra‐thin sections taken serially were examined in the electron microscope. The method was found to be reliable, easy to use and particularly of value as a sampling procedure prior to investigation in the electron microscope.