The procedure for performing Fontana Masson staining involves several steps:
Fixation: Tissue samples are fixed in an appropriate fixative, such as formalin. Sectioning: The fixed tissues are embedded in paraffin and sectioned at a thickness of 4-5 micrometers. Deparaffinization and Hydration: Paraffin sections are deparaffinized in xylene and hydrated through graded alcohols to water. Silver Nitrate Treatment: Sections are treated with ammoniacal silver nitrate solution, which reacts with melanin and argentaffin substances. Gold Chloride Toning: The sections are then treated with gold chloride to enhance the visibility of the silver deposits. Counterstaining: A counterstain, such as nuclear fast red, may be used to provide contrast. Dehydration and Mounting: The sections are dehydrated through graded alcohols, cleared in xylene, and mounted with a coverslip.
