Abstract:

Objective To explore a simple and suitable method for stretch preparation of subcutaneous loose connective tissue in rabbits. Methods Three rabbits were continuously performed with 10-12ml of trypan blue saline solution(10g /L) by intraperitoneal injection once a day. The subcutaneous loose connective tissue was collected for stretch prepararation on the fourth day and fixed with a formalin-alcohol salution for 6 hours. The tissue was put into aldehyde fuchsin, nuclear fast red and eosin for staining.Washing with tap water was taken after every step. Finally, conventional dehydration, clearing and mounting were applied.
Results Macrophages were irregular in sharp and distributed among fibers. Many engulfed blue granules were observed within the cytoplasms. The nuclei were stained in red. The color of elastic fibers showed purple or blue-violet at the time point of aldehyde fuchsin staining between 30-40 minutes. The color of collagen fibers was light red. Conclusion The present method is simple, stable and reliable for stretch preparation of subcutaneous loose connective tissue in rabbits.

Key words: Loose connective tissue, Eosin, Elastic fiber, Collagen fiber, Macrophage, Aldehyde fuchsin staining, Rabbit