[Electron-cytochemical method of DNA detection with the aid of ammonia silver]

Three prescriptions for the detection of aldehyde groups of deoxyribose with ammoniac silver are proposed. The reaction can be carried out on tissue blocks or imprints; it is useful for DNA identification in the light and electron microscope, gives high contrast and allows to reveal DNA in structures with a relatively low content of DNA, for instance, in nucleoi. The disadvantages of the method include a possibility of nonspecific reduction of silver if the reaction is performed on a plastic-embedded material and damage of ultrastructures if the reaction is done prior to embedding.