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School of Molecular & Biomedical Science
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
AUSTRALIA 5005

Contact:
Dr David Ellis

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Southgate's Mucicarmine stain.

This modification of Mayer's original method contains aluminium hydroxide, which gives more consistent results. Mucicarmine stains acidic mucins pink. For the detection of capsular material in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Staining solution.

Carmine 1 g

Aluminium hydroxide 1 g

50% alcohol 100 ml

These constituents are mixed by shaking and to them is added

Aluminium chloride (anhydrous) 0.5 g

Boil in water-bath for 21/2-3 minutes. Cool, make up to original volume with 50% alcohol and filter. The stock solution is stable for several months.

Method.

1. Take sections to water.

2. Stain nuclei with Hematoxylin.

3. Differentiate in acid-alcohol and blue in tap-water.

4. Stain for 30 minutes in the staining solution given above.

5. Rinse in distilled water, dehydrate, clear and mount in D.P.X.