Fix in Flemming’s or Marchi’s mixtures; or in formol, staining with sudan III or scharlach R. The tissues may be examined also in the fresh condition.
D. Old Degenerations.
Use Weigert’s myelin method to show absence of myelinated fibres. Van Gieson’s method stains the neuroglia of degenerated areas a deep red; it is very useful combined with Weigert’s myelin stain. Weigert’s neuroglia stain may be used to demonstrate the relative parts played by neuroglia and connective-tissue in the formation of sclerotic patches. When Weigert’s iron-hæmatoxylin is used with Van Gieson’s the neuroglia remains unstained, while the connective-tissue stains red. With other hæmatoxylins the neuroglia cannot be sharply differentiated from connective-tissue when stained with Van Gieson’s.
8. PERIPHERAL NERVES.
Use any of the above methods for the staining of myelin sheaths, ganglion cells, axis cylinders, etc. Van Gieson’s is good for the demonstration of connective-tissue increase. For the demonstration of peripheral fibrils and nerve-endings consult textbooks on histology for Golgi methods, Ehrlich’s vital methylene-blue method, and the modifications of May, Drasch, and others.
Platner’s Method.
1. Harden in 25 per cent solution of liq. ferri sesquichlor., 1-5 days.
2. Wash in water, until the addition of KCNS to the water yields no reaction.
3. Place in 75 per cent alcohol containing an excess of di-nitroresorcin, 2-30 days, according to the size of the piece of tissue.
4. Dehydrate in absolute alcohol.