Perjodic Acid Schiff Reaction:
Structures containing carbohydrates, like glycogen and reticular fibres containing lots of glycoprotein, basal membranes, and mucins stain pink to violet. Perjodic acid splits the carbon bonds between two neighboring secondary alcohols. Then the alcohol groups are oxidized to aldehydes and are stained reddish by Schiff reagent.
Hemalaun / Toluidine blue / Aurantia | These dyes are used to stain cell nuclei. Result: Cell nuclei turn bright blue to dark blue, depending on the dye used. |
Luxol fast blue | This dye is used to stain myelin sheaths. The dye has a special affinity to myelin. Result: Myelin sheaths turn bright blue, grey matter turns pale green, and cell nuclei turn dark blue |