1-1-4 Development of histological analysis by microscope/Development of techniques for staining neurons by Golgi stain, or Golgi method
The prototype for the microscope was created in the 17th century. Different combinations of lenses and their forms were devised, and the microscope developed sufficiently to be put into practical use in the 19th century.Naturally, microscopic techniques have been applied to brain research.
Despite many difficulties making samples of soft brain tissue, a method of fixing tissue without deforming cells was devised which enabled the acquisition of samples tens of microns thick.
Furthermore, a staining technique with a pigment which adapted itself to a specific substance was also devised.
These methods were adopted for use with brain tissue, and the substance of the brain has come to be known little by little at a cellular level.
One of the most important achievements was the Golgi stain, or Golgi method, which was devised by Camillo Golgi, an Italian physician and scientist.
By using his method, when the fixed brain tissue was immersed in chromate and silver nitrate, the two metals reacted with each other and became silver chromate particulates in the neurons or glial cells into which they seeped.
This resulted in black deposits in the microscope photograph. This method can only stain a limited number of neurons or glial cells but fully reveals their forms while other cells are not stained at all. By observing these stained brain tissues, he claimed that the nerve cells were fused together. (reticular theory) (Fig.4)
Challenge Quiz
The nerve staining technique used widely now, was devised by ( Cajal Deiters Golgi ).
Using this method,( silver nitrate and copper sulfate copper sulfate and chromic acid chromic acid and sliver nitrate ) react together and turn ( red green black ) in the ( neuron blood vessel glial cell ).
By using this method, he claimed that the nerve cells fused together. This is the ( synapse theory reticular theory textile theory ).