Quantitative histochemistry of myelin using Luxol Fast Blue MBS.

The amount of Luxol Fast Blue MBS in the band of Genarri was measured with two types of scanning microdensitometer and the optical density determined. The amount of stain measured was proportional to the section thickness employed, thus demonstrating that the dye has stoichiometric properties in tissue sections. Blocks of tissue treated with phospholipid solvents showed an increased uptake of stain, suggesting that phospholipids are not a primary substrate for the dye in myelin staining. The dye may, therefore, be used to quantify myelin in tissue sections.