VitroView Congo Red Amyloid Stain Kit (#VB-3011)
 
Description
Congo Red is a histological stain that has been used to detect the presence of amyloid deposits, including those associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The stain binds to beta-pleated sheet structures, which are characteristic of amyloid fibrils. Therefore, Congo Red staining can be used to visualize beta-amyloid plaques in the brain tissue of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Congo Red Amyloid Stain Kit is used for the detection of amyloid in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections with amyloidosis, and may be used for frozen sections as well. Amyloid deposits will stain red, while nuclei will stain blue. The thickness of sections is usually 5 µm. However, in cases containing low amyloid deposits, 10µm thick sections will give better results.
 
Kit Contents
   VB-3011-1 Congo Red Solution ——————–250 ml
   VB-3011-2 Alkaline Alcohol Solution ————250 ml
   VB-3011-3 Mayer’s Hematoxylin Solution —- 250 ml
 
Storage Condition:
Store at room temperature.
 
Protocol
For paraffin-embedded tissue sections, deparaffinize and hydrate to 70% alcohol. Rinse in distilled water. For frozen sections, dry sections for 5 minutes. Fix sections in neutral formalin solution for 20 minutes. Rinse in distilled water.
Stain in congo red solution for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse in distilled water.
Differentiate quickly (5-10 dips) in alkaline alcohol solution.
Rinse in tap water for 1 minute.
Counterstain with Mayer’s hematoxylin for 30 seconds.
Rinse in tap water for 2 minutes.
Dehydrate through 95% alcohol, 2 changes of 100% alcohol, 3 minutes each.
Clear with 3 changes of xylene (5 minute per change)
Mount coverslip onto glass slide with Permount or some other suitable organic mounting medium.
 
Results
Amyloid, elastic fibers, eosinophil granules ——– red
Nuclei —————————————————————- blue
 
 Positive Controls
Know amyloidosis containing tissue (i.e. Alzheimer’s disease).
 
Note: This product is intended for research purposes only. This product is not intended to be used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in humans or animals.
 
Precautions: Handle with care. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Do not ingest. Wear gloves.