Alcian Blue Kit
Acid Mucopolysaccharide Stain — Mucin Detection
Alcian Blue Kit
Alcian Blue is a widely used histochemical stain that specifically demonstrates acid mucopolysaccharides and mucins in tissue sections. The copper-phthalocyanin dye forms salt bonds with acidic tissue groups, staining mucopolysaccharides an intense blue color. This kit is essential for identifying epithelial mucins in gastrointestinal tract samples, respiratory mucosa, and connective tissue matrices. Available in pH 2.5 for weakly acidic mucins and pH 1.0 for strongly acidic (sulfated) mucins formulations.
Alcian Blue Results
pH 2.5 Staining
Stains both carboxylated (sialomucins) and sulfated mucopolysaccharides blue. Used for general mucin screening.
pH 1.0 Staining
Specific for strongly acidic sulfated mucins only. Differentiates sulfated from non-sulfated mucopolysaccharides.
Nuclear Counterstain
Included nuclear fast red or neutral red stains nuclei pink-red for contrast against blue mucin deposits.
Clinical Applications
GI biopsies, bronchial mucosa, cartilage studies, and identification of mucinous carcinomas.
Complementary Staining Kits
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