Sirius red is not collagen type specific. However, it should not be read
without polarization or you will falsely interpret the stain. We have used
it for computerized image analysis since the collagen fibers stand out very
well against the black background of other tissue elements. This makes it
very easy to segment the collagen.
John E. Tarpley 5-1-A
Associate Scientist
Amgen Inc.
One Amgen Center Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
These Opinions are my own and not necessarily those of my employer.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tracey Couse [mailto:tracey.couse@ibb.gatech.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2001 11:46 AM
To: HistoNet Server
Subject: Picro-Sirius Red for Collagen Quantification?
I am interested in a collagen stain that will allow one of our graduate
students to quantify the amount of total collagen present in coronary
artery sections. I have been reviewing the archives and literature for this
information. Based on my research thus far, picro-sirius red seems the
best stain for this purpose. I am not interested in the birefringence
properties of collagen and this stain as it is mainly collagen fiber (type
I only?) birefringence that is enhanced. Is picro-sirius the best stain to
use in determining the total collagen present in a given section using
ordinary bright field microscopy?
Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Tracey Couse
Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Biosci