Yes it does. Here is a ref. to the method and a ref. to an analysis method we
use.

Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery Vol. 53A #1 1971 pg 69.
Journal of Orthopaedic Research Vol 15 1977  pg 670-674

Karen Bowden
University of San Diego, CA
Department of Orthopedics

Mass Histology Service wrote:

> I have read that the Safranin O procedure selectively stains proteoglycan
> (Histologic, May 2001)
>
> Jim
>
> ____________________________
> James E. Staruk, HT(ASCP)
> Mass Histology Service, Inc.
> www.masshistology.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Smith, Allen [mailto:asmith@mail.barry.edu]
> Sent: Friday, June 28, 2002 12:27 PM
> To: K. Bowden
> Cc: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: RE: Fwd: histonet
>
> Safranin O and toluidine blue stain the same things: all acidic substances,
> not just glycosaminoglycans.  Unlike alum hematoxylin, which stains
> nucleoproteins, safranin and toluidine blue stain nucleic acids.
>
> Allen A. Smith, Ph.D.
> Barry University
> School of Graduate Medical Sciences
>     Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
> Miami Shores, Florida  33161-6695
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: K. Bowden [mailto:kbowden@ucsd.edu]
> Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 4:21 PM
> To: John Baker; histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Re: Fwd: histonet
>
> 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