Luxol fast blue

Luxol fast blue (pronounced: /ˈlʌksɒl fɑːst bluː/) is a commonly used stain in histology, particularly in the field of neuroscience. It is used to visualize myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers and is crucial for the rapid conduction of nerve signals.

Etymology

The term "Luxol fast blue" is derived from the name of the dye used in the staining process. The dye is known for its ability to bind to myelin quickly (hence "fast") and it produces a blue color when it does so.

Usage

Luxol fast blue is primarily used in the study of the nervous system, where it is used to stain myelin in tissue samples. This allows researchers to visualize the distribution of myelin in the tissue, which can be useful in studying diseases that affect myelin, such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophy.

Procedure

The procedure for staining with Luxol fast blue involves several steps. First, the tissue sample is fixed and dehydrated. Then, it is stained with the Luxol fast blue dye. After staining, the sample is differentiated, which involves washing it in a solution that removes the dye from areas that are not myelinated. Finally, the sample is cleared and mounted for viewing under a microscope.

Related Terms

• Histology
• Myelin
• Nervous system
• Multiple sclerosis
• Leukodystrophy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Luxol fast blue
• Wikipedia's article - Luxol fast blue

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