Luxol fast blue

Luxol fast blue (also known as LFB) is a commonly used stain in histology, particularly in the medical field. It is named for its blue color and its speed of staining. LFB is used to identify myelin, a substance that surrounds nerve fibers and aids in the transmission of nerve impulses.

History

The Luxol fast blue stain was first introduced in the early 20th century. It was initially used in the textile industry, but was later adopted by histologists due to its ability to selectively stain myelin.

Method

The Luxol fast blue staining process involves several steps. First, the tissue sample is fixed and dehydrated. The sample is then stained with the Luxol fast blue solution, which is typically heated to enhance the staining process. After staining, the sample is differentiated, or washed with a solution that removes excess stain. The sample is then counterstained with a different color to highlight other structures in the tissue.

Uses

Luxol fast blue is primarily used to identify myelin in tissue samples. This can be useful in diagnosing various neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, which is characterized by the loss of myelin. LFB can also be used to study the development of the nervous system, as it can highlight changes in myelin over time.

See also

• Histology
• Staining (biology)
• Myelin
• Multiple sclerosis

Luxol fast blue Resources
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