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Alcian Blue 8GX C.I. No: 74240
UV-VIS range: 611-620nm in water
Molecular Formula: C56H68Cl4CuN16S4
Appearance: Dark blue-violet powder
Biological Applications: differential stain for acidicmacromolecular carbohydrates, distinguishing sulfomucins, sialomucins and uronic acid mucins.
Commercial Applications: Dye print cellulosic substrates and as a gelling agent for lubricating oils.
Note: In 2000-2001 there appeared to be a shortage of alcian blue due to the lack of production. There probably are now at least two manufacturers of dye that meets the criteria for certification. Substitute dyes are being testing in procedures calling for alcian blue 8G. One such substitute is the Alcian Blue Pyridine Variant, which was used to prepare the following stains and the stained sections shown below.
Mowry's Alcian Blue Method (pH 2.5)4
Scott's Alcian Blue Method (pH5.7)5,6,7
REFERENCES:
1.Lillie, R.D. 1977. H.J. Conn's Biological Stains, 9th edition. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore. pp. 452-455.
2.Sheenan, D.C., B.B. Hrapchak. Theory and practice of histotechnology, 2nd edition. Battelle Press, Columbus. pp. 172-173.
3.Green, F.J. 1990. The Sigma-Aldrich Handbook of Stains, Dyes and Indicators. Aldrich Chemical Comnpany, Milwaukee. pp.71-72.
4.Churukian, Charles J. 1989, Manual of the Special Stains Laboratory, 4th edition. University of Rochester, Rochester. pp. 55-56.
5.Scott, J.E., Dorling J. and Quintarelli, G. Differential staining of acid glycosaminoglycans by Alcian blue in salt solutions. Biochem.J. 1964. 90: 4.
6.Scott, J.E. and Dorling, J. (1965). Differential staining of acid glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides) by Alcian blue in salt solutions. Histochemie 5: 221-233.
7.Mowry, R.W. and Scott, J.E. Observations on the basophilia of amyloids. Histochemie 10:8-32, 1967.
8.Churukian, Charles J., Frank, M., and Horobin, R.W.. Alcian Blue Pyridine Variant - a Superior Alternative to Alcian Blue 8GX: Staining Performance and Stability. Biotechnic & Histochemistry 75: 147-150. May, 2000.
Stained sections shown above were provided to the BSC by Charles Churukian of the Special Stains Laboratory at the University of Rochester. Mowry's Alcian Blue PAS on formalin fixed bowel. Scott's Alcian Blue pH 5.7, formalin fixed trachea.
