RE: Mast cells/Bismarck Brown

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From:"Hewlett Bryan (CMH)" <HEWLETT@EXCHANGE1.CMH.ON.CA>
To:HistoNet Server <HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu>, "'A G DU TOIT'" <AGDT@GERGA.SUN.AC.ZA>
Reply-To:
Date:Mon, 13 Sep 1999 09:21:45 -0400
Content-Type:text/plain

Andre,
 
If you are referring to a dye methodology, I am unaware of any technique
that is SPECIFIC for mast cells. However, some of these techniques can be
made highly selective for mast cells. Either the long toluidine blue(Wingren
and Enerback, 1983), or alcian blue may fall into this category. Both are
used at a pH of 0.5. For tissues fixed in formaldehyde, the long toluidine
blue method is superior. For Carnoy fixed material it's a toss-up. You
should be aware that none of the dye methodologies will demonstrate all mast
cells. Depending on whether they are mucosal mast cells, or connective
tissue mast cells, only 60% -90% of the cells will be demonstrated.

To demonstrate all of the mast cells immunohistochemical techniques are the
method of choice. Monoclonal antibody, against Mast cell tryptase, works
extremely well on both formaldehyde fixed and Carnoy fixed paraffin sections
and is specific. Antibodies against CD117 will also label all mast cells,
however other cell types are labeled in addition.

Bryan

> ----------
> From: 	A G DU TOIT[SMTP:AGDT@GERGA.SUN.AC.ZA]
> Sent: 	September 13, 1999 7:36 AM
> To: 	HistoNet Server
> Subject: 	Mast cells/Bismarck Brown
> 
> Dear All,
> I am looking for a stain specifically for Mast cells.  We have been 
> doing the Bismarck Brown for some time, but unfortunately no 
> literature available.  Surely somebody might just be able to help.
> Thanks a million in advance, I am looking forward to hear from all of 
> you.
> Andre du Toit
> Dept Anatomical Pathology
> Tygerberg Hospital
> Cape Town
> South Africa.
> 



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