ISSN:
1432-119X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary A series of in vitro chemical tests was performed to elucidate the histochemical basis of the argentaffin technique in localizing 5-hydroxytryptamine within tissues fixed by glutaraldehyde. When glutaraldehyde is mixed with the amine a precipitate is formed which is trapped in the tissue at the site of 5-hydroxytryptamine storage. Chemically the precipitate is not a homogeneous compound. One aldehyde group of glutaraldehyde engages the amine group of 5-hydroxytryptamine in a condensation reaction to form a tetrahydro-β-carboline. The other aldehyde group is available in ‘crypto’ form as a carbinolamine or its dehydration product and is readily released under the subsequent reaction conditions when ammoniacal silver hydroxide is added. Thus, metallic silver is precipitated at the site of 5-hydroxytryptamine storage in the tissues.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00279853
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