Fixation: Tissue sections are fixed to preserve cellular structures and prevent degradation. Impregnation: The tissue is treated with silver nitrate solution, allowing silver ions to bind to target molecules. Reduction: A reducing agent (e.g., formalin or hydroquinone) is applied to convert silver ions into metallic silver, forming a visible precipitate. Counterstaining: Optional step to provide additional contrast by staining other cell components with a different dye.
