Use of hydrogen peroxide to accelerate staining of ultrathin Spurr sections

Pretreatment of ultrathin Spurr sections of glutaraldehyde-osmium fixed tissue with hydrogen peroxide significantly reduces the time required to stain with ethanolic uranyl acetate and lead citrate for electron microscopy. Micrographs compare contrast obtained by this method with that obtained using conventional staining times. Reasons for the facilitating action of hydrogen peroxide are suggested.