A histochemical study with the aBt reaction of changes in glycoprotein content during bone formation and necrosis

The glycoprotein content of the bone tissue was examined by means of the aldehyde-bisulphite-blue (ABT) reaction. It was found that the glycoprotein content showed variations during bone formation and necrosis. This was particularly characteristic in the osteocyte capsule where vicinal OH moieties changed in amount and orientation. The method allows to determine the relative age of the bone tissue.