Histological diagnosis of MLD involves several steps: 1. Tissue Sampling: Brain biopsy or autopsy samples are taken, typically from areas showing clinical signs of demyelination.
2. Staining: The samples are stained using dyes such as toluidine blue, which highlight the metachromatic granules. Additional stains, such as Luxol fast blue and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), may also be used to assess myelin and other cellular components.
3. Microscopic Examination: Pathologists examine the stained sections under a microscope to identify the characteristic features of MLD, including areas of demyelination, gliosis, and metachromatic granules.
