Use and advantages of ethanol solution of alizarin red S dye for staining bone in fishes

Abstract

A solution of 75% ethyl alcohol (ETOH) and alizarin red S can be substituted for KOH-alizarin red S to stain bone. ETOH-alizarin, unlike KOH-alizarin, does not damage muscle or cartilage. ETOH-alizarin and acidified alcian blue (a cartilage stain) can be used in any order and as often as required to stain bone and cartilage in a single preparation that has not been exposed to KOH-alizarin or trypsin, remembering that the acidic effects of the alcian blue solution should be neutralized to prevent decalcification of weakly ossified elements.