Alcian yellow explained

Alcian yellow is an azo dye with the formula (CH₃[(CH₃N)₂CS]₂C₆H₂SNCC₆H₄)₂N₂. Its structure consists of a largely conjugated array of benzene, benzothiazole and isothiouronium units.

Histological Use

Alcian yellow is used in histology in conjunction with toluidine blue to help visualize H. pylori.^[1] The resulting structures are stained as follows:^[2]

– Mucin: yellow

– H. pylori: blue

– Other cellular components/background: shades of blue

See also

• Alcian blue stain

Notes and References

1. Leung. Jennifer K.. Gibbon. Kevin J.. Vartanian. Robert K.. 1996-06-01. Rapid Staining Method for Helicobacter Pylori in Gastric Biopsies. Journal of Histotechnology. 19. 2. 131–132. 10.1179/his.1996.19.2.131. 0147-8885.
2. Web site: Helico*Stat Rapid Helicobacter Stain Kit Procedure. 2017-03-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20170306132250/https://www.americanmastertech.com/instructions/kthst.pdf. 2017-03-06. dead.