To obtain positive fat staining with Oil Red O, which mounting medium should be used?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

To obtain positive fat staining with Oil Red O, which mounting medium should be used?

Preserving lipids is the key. Oil Red O stains neutral lipids, so the mounting medium must keep those lipid droplets intact after staining. Oil Red O is soluble in organic solvents, and resinous or methanol-based mountants involve solvents that would extract lipids and erase the stain. An aqueous mounting medium avoids those solvents, allowing the red lipid droplets to remain visible in the tissue.

Preserving lipids is the key. Oil Red O stains neutral lipids, so the mounting medium must keep those lipid droplets intact after staining. Oil Red O is soluble in organic solvents, and resinous or methanol-based mountants involve solvents that would extract lipids and erase the stain. An aqueous mounting medium avoids those solvents, allowing the red lipid droplets to remain visible in the tissue.

More practice questions