Safranin O stains the glyocosaminoglycans which is what the tol blue (pH
4.1) stains.  If you don't have glyocosaminoglycans present then
Safranin O with not stain.  I find that a good H&E shows the line of
demarcation best.

Karen Bowden
UCSD
Orthopedic Department



John Baker wrote:

> Histonetters:
>    I have a question regarding a staining technique:
> >Does a saf O/fast green counterstain add anything to a tol blue
> >stain?  I am evaluating dimensions of a growth plate and want a
> >readily identifiable demarcation between cartilage and bone as well
> >as between the various layers of the growth plate. Distinct nuclei
> >would be an added bonus.  Thank you very muc in advance or any
> >responses.
> >
> >Dr. Ryan Frank    via John Baker
>
> --
> John A. Baker
> The University of Michigan
> Orthopaedic Research Laboratories
> Histology Unit
> 400 North Ingalls, G160
> Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0486
> Main lab office phone:734-763-9674
> Histology office:734-936-1635