A Simple Silver Solution for Staining Reticulin

A method for staining reticulin in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded sections is described. The steps include oxidation in permangauate, impregnation in a silver solution, reduction in formalin and toning in gold. The permanganate is acidified, enhancing its oxidizing potency and decreasing the stainiig of background elements. The silver solution is prepared volumetrically by mixing solutions of defined concentrations of ammonium nitnte, sodium hydroxide and silver nitrate, instead of the drop by drop titration with ammonium hydroxide usually required. In consequence, the silver solution and the staining procedure as a whole are readily reproducible. The contrast between the deeply stained reticulin and the lightly stained background is marked, and permits an assessment of the distribution of reticulin under low magnification.