Alizarin Red for Calcium Deposits
EMS Catalog Number: 26206-Series
Fixation:
Alcoholic Formalin
Sections:
Paraffin, Ester Wax, Celloidin or Gelatin
Staining Procedures:
-
Bring sections to Alcohol, 50% (#26206-02) and rinse rapidly in distilled water.
-
Cover sections with Alizarin Red S (#26206-01) and follow the staining by transmitted light, on the stage of a staining microscope. Calcium sites will be covered with a vivid orange-red calcium-alizarin lake within a period of 30 seconds to 5 minutes. The end point should be chosen when the deposit is heavy but not too diffused.
- Shake off excess stain and blot carefully with filter paper or alternatively drain very thoroughly.
- Place immediately into Acetone (#26206-03) for 10 – 20 seconds followed by Acetone-Xylene (#26206-04) for 10 -20 seconds.
- Clear in Xylene and mount in Depex (#13514) or Cedar wood Oil (#12430)
Stain Results:
| Calcium Sites | Covered and surrounded by heavy orange red precipitate which is birefringent between crossed polaroids |
| Background | Faint Pink |
References:
McGee-Russell, S.M., J. Histochem., 6:22-42, 1958.
Clark, G., (ed.). Staining Procedures, 3rd ed., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, p. 140, c. 1973.
