Hello Gudrun,
Alcian blue for fast frozen sections
I was not aware that alcian blue would be routinely used on frozen sections of
transplant liver biopsies.
There are other staining techniques that contain a blue dye, that have been
used in liver biopsies including Masson's Trichrome (aniline blue) and Millers
Stain (Victoria blue). Sulphated Alcian Blue has been used for the
demonstration of amyloid in liver biopsies, though not usually on transplant
liver biopsies.
Alcian blue has been used on frozen sections to demonstrate carboxylated mucins
(J Clin Pathol 42(1): 101-105, 1989).
Alcian blue staining has been used on FFPE sections of transplant liver
sections to show loss of heparan sulphate from endothelial cells of liver graft
vessels. Alcian blue at pH 5.8 with 0.3 M MgCl2 on 3-micrometre
paraffin-embedded liver section. At this MgCl2 concentration only sulfate
glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate stain. Loss of heparin sulphate
reduces the ability of the graft to maintain an anti-coagulant environment and
can result in diffuse microvascular thrombosis and vascular congestion (see
Remuzzi et al (2005). Hemolytic uremic syndrome: a fatal outcome after kidney
and liver transplantation performed to correct factor H gene mutation. American
Journal of Transplantation, 5(5), 1146-1150).
If this is the alcian blue technique needed, then the question arises whether
heparan sulphate is insoluble, and therefore stainable, following cryotomy and
fixation. Heparan sulphate has a solubility of 100mg/mL in water but is
insoluble in ethanol. I would suggest validating the technique on frozen
sections of kidney and liver, comparing the staining results to corresponding
FFPE sections.
Please tell us how you go.
Tony
Regards
Tony Henwood JP, MSc, BAppSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC), FFSc(RCPA)
Principal Scientist, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Adjunct Fellow, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney
Tel: 612 9845 3306
Fax: 612 9845 3318
Pathology Department
the children's hospital at westmead
Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead
Locked Bag 4001, Westmead NSW 2145, AUSTRALIA
From: Gudrun Lang via Histonet
Sent: 28 January 2023 04:38
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Alcianblue for fast frozen sections
Dear histonetters!
Today I've heard about alcianblue staining on fast frozen sections, but I've
got no details.
I would like to know, if the staining result is the same as for staining AB
on paraffinslides.
They use the stain on transplantation liver.
Is this a usual procedure?
I would be glad about any information.
Thanks in advance
Gudrun
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