Comprehensive Review of Golgi Staining Methods for Nervous Tissue

Abstract

Golgi staining has been modified and developed since Camillo Golgi introduced the black reaction in 1873. This study focuses on the commonly used Golgi staining methods and presents comprehensive data regarding three Golgi staining methods along with their strong and weak points. The Golgi–Cox method uses mercuric chloride for brain tissue impregnation and is a reliable technique for analyzing the complete dendritic tree of cortical neurons. However, specimens tend to shrink during the staining steps. Recent combination of the Golgi–Cox method and immunofluorescence provides additional options for neuroscientists. Rapid Golgi staining requires osmium tetroxide for the postfixation process. It homogenously stains whole structures of neurons and provides their detailed anatomical morphology. This staining is influenced by the age of the specimen, temperature of the laboratory, and duration of each procedure. The Golgi–Kopsch method uses formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde instead of osmium tetroxide and can be used regardless of the age of the specimen and the duration after fixation. This method is suitable for research using human brain fixed for a long time or for specimens obtained from old-aged animals. Selecting a Golgi staining protocol that is appropriate for the specimen type and research purpose is important to achieve best results.