The reticulin staining process involves several steps:
1. Fixation: Tissue samples are initially fixed using formalin or other suitable fixatives to preserve cellular structures. 2. Deparaffinization and Rehydration: Paraffin-embedded tissue sections are deparaffinized and rehydrated through a series of alcohol washes. 3. Oxidation: The tissue is treated with an oxidizing agent like potassium permanganate or periodic acid to create aldehyde groups on the reticular fibers. 4. Sensitization: The tissue is then sensitized using a solution of ferric ammonium sulfate. 5. Silver Impregnation: The sensitized tissue is treated with an ammoniacal silver solution, which binds to the aldehyde groups on the reticular fibers. 6. Reduction: The silver-bound fibers are reduced using a solution of formalin or another reducing agent, turning the fibers black. 7. Counterstaining: Optional counterstains, such as nuclear fast red, may be used to provide contrast. 8. Dehydration and Mounting: The stained tissue is dehydrated, cleared, and mounted for microscopic examination.
