luxol fast blue
Pronunciation: LUHK-sol fast BLOO
Histochemical stain used to demonstrate myelin in central nervous system tissue sections.
Full Definition
Luxol fast blue is a copper phthalocyanine dye that selectively stains myelin sheaths blue-green in CNS tissue sections. This stain is essential for evaluating demyelinating diseases, assessing white matter integrity, and identifying areas of myelin loss or preservation. The stain works by binding to the lipoprotein components of myelin, and is often combined with other stains such as cresyl violet or PAS to provide contrast with gray matter structures. Luxol fast blue staining is particularly valuable in diagnosing multiple sclerosis, leukodystrophies, and other demyelinating conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as LFB in pathology reports.
In Context
- "Luxol fast blue staining revealed extensive demyelination in the periventricular white matter." — Multiple sclerosis case report
- "The luxol fast blue preparation showed well-preserved myelin throughout the corpus callosum." — Normal brain autopsy description