How are Sulfhydryl Groups Detected in Histological Studies?
Sulfhydryl groups can be detected using specific staining techniques. One common method is the use of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) in combination with a reducing agent. The reduced NBT will form a blue formazan precipitate in the presence of free sulfhydryl groups. Another method is the use of Ellman's reagent (5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) or DTNB), which reacts with sulfhydryl groups to produce a yellow-colored product that can be measured spectrophotometrically.
