Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to compare effects of three modified Ranson’s methods on the staining of spinal cord of rats. Methods In the control group, following fixed with alcohol and ammonia, the tissue of spinal cord was embedded with wax, sectioned and stained with traditional Ranson’s method, then, observed under the light microscope. For experimental groups, the tissue of spinal cord was treated with three modified methods namely, replaced the ammonia with sodium hydroxide、sodium carbonate or 95% alcohol respectively, other staining processes were as same as those in the traditional Ranson’s staining method. Results On slices of the experimental group, the soma and neuron filaments were showed with color of yellowbrown, and those nerve fibers were stained with deep brown. Compared with the control group, no significant difference was found in three experimental groups. However, the best staining result was found in the group which the ammonia was replaced with 95% alcohol. Conclusion Three modified Ranson’s staining m

Key words: Spinal cord, Ranson’s method, Rat