When one plus one equals more than two--a novel stain for renal biopsies is a combination of two classical stains

Histol Histopathol. 2010 Nov;25(11):1379-83. doi: 10.14670/HH-25.1379.

Abstract

Histologic evaluation of renal biopsies includes multiple ancillary stains, including Periodic acid-Schiff's (PAS) and Masson's trichrome (Trichrome). Herein we report an innovative double-stain, derived from two standard stains (PAS and Trichrome). This novel stain not only has advantages of both ancestor stains, but became more distinguishable and colorful, when basement membranes stain dark-violet, whereas the interstitial collagen remains blue. This allows the pathologist immediate estimation of the amount of collagen, tubular atrophy and the degree of interstitial fibrosis in one section. Using computer-based analysis, we confirmed that our innovative double-stain highlights interstitial collagen better than Trichrome stain alone. We strongly recommend renal pathologists to try this innovative stain in their practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Azo Compounds*
  • Biopsy
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)*
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology*
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Methyl Green*
  • Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction*
  • Staining and Labeling / methods*

Substances

  • Azo Compounds
  • trichrome stain
  • Methyl Green
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)