Mercurochrome: a fluorescent and electron opaque dye

Area of Science:

• Histology
• Cell Biology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Traditional histological staining methods often require multiple techniques for comprehensive cellular analysis.
• Developing single-agent staining solutions that offer multi-modal visualization is crucial for efficient research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of Mercurochrome as a versatile staining agent for examining cellular structures across different microscopy techniques.
• To assess Mercurochrome's effectiveness in light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy for visualizing specific cellular components.

Main Methods:

• Rat bone marrow samples were fixed with glutaraldehyde and embedded in Durcupan.
• Sections were treated with Mercurochrome in acetone prior to embedding.
• Further treatment with an alkaline hydroalcoholic solution was applied to some sections.

Main Results:

• Mercurochrome treatment resulted in electron opacity of leucocyte eosinophilic granules and chromatin masses.
• These structures exhibited yellowish-green fluorescence under violet-blue or blue light excitation.
• Post-staining treatment enhanced bright-field visualization and electron microscope contrast.

Conclusions:

• Mercurochrome acts as a single compound with simultaneous staining, fluorescence, and electron microscopic contrasting properties.
• This versatile dye facilitates the examination of specific cell components across multiple microscopy modalities.
• The described method offers an efficient approach for multi-modal cellular structure analysis.