Staining of mast cell granules by the Ziehl-Neelsen method and differential diagnosis of malignant dermal tumours in the dog
Rest, J.R.; Lee, R.L.
Veterinary Record 104(4): 79
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 86228 Document Number: 151010
Mast cell granules stain red by the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) method. The identification of these granules with a green counterstain is possible at low magnifications and granules are easily distinguishable from other acid-fast tissues. Fifteen histologically malignant dermal tumours were stained by ZN. Malignant mast cell granules were acid-fast, but less so than non-malignant mast cell granules. In all cases they were more clearly visible than with toluidine blue staining. Normal mast cells were scattered throughout the dermis surrounding tumours and within benign histocytomas. No mast cells were seen in malignant tumour masses. This method may be a way of differentiation of tumour types.