Introduction

Alcian blue, also known as Alcian Blue or Ingrain Blue, is a copper phthalocyanine conjugated dye originally developed for textile fiber staining. This cationic dye binds to acidic groups. In tissues, Alcian blue forms insoluble complexes with anionic groups such as carboxyl and sulfate groups.

Alcian blue consists of a central copper-containing phthalocyanine ring linked to four isothiouronium groups through thioether bonds. These moderately basic isothiouronium groups give the dye its positive charge. Although the precise mechanism by which Alcian blue stains carbohydrates is not fully understood, it is generally believed that the cationic isothiouronium groups bind electrostatically to polyanions in tissues. The positively charged groups in the dye form salt linkages with negatively charged acidic groups in acidic mucosubstances, such as carboxyl and sulfate groups, producing a blue coloration.

At pH 2.5, carboxyl groups in tissues are ionized and carry a negative charge. They form salt linkages with the cationic groups of Alcian blue, allowing tissues containing carboxyl groups, such as proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, and epithelial acidic mucins, to be stained.

At pH 1.0, sulfate groups in tissues are ionized and carry a negative charge. They form salt linkages with the cationic groups of Alcian blue, allowing tissues containing sulfated mucosubstances to be stained. Neutral mucins, such as those found in the gastric mucosa and Brunner’s glands, do not react with Alcian blue.

Product Information

【Item(s) supplied】

【Storage Conditions】

   Upon receipt, store the product according to the instructions. The product 

  is stable for 2 years when stored as directed.