NisslFluor™ Silver Nissl stain will stain the soma and proximal reaches of dendrites, cytoplasm, and nuclei of neurons a fluorescent silver/white color under UV light excitation. Nissl substance is not normally found in the axon hillock or the axon itself. NisslFluor™ Silver will be of high contrast, resolution, and brightness and resistant to fading. Visible under blue light (450-495 nm) excitation. This fluorochrome demonstrates little fluorescence under green light excitation (500ヨ570 nm) or UV excitation (330-380 nm).
SpecificityStaining Nissl substances are present in neuronal soma and dendrites, not typically found in axons. Note: Like their bright-field counterparts, Nissl stains will stain all cells in the brain, not just the neurons. However, the staining of non-neuronal cells will be limited to their nuclei and a very thin rim of cytoplasm. By contrast, the cytoplasm and proximal dendrites of the larger neurons will be quite prominent and easily noticeable.
Species ReactivityHuman, Mouse, Other Mammals, Rat
Concentration10X
Purity DescriptionThin layer chromatography using alumina plates and a solvent system of ethanol and water (3:1) revealed the presence of fluorescent isomers. No amount of starting material was detected.
NisslFluor™ Silver Nissl stain will stain the soma and proximal reaches of dendrites, cytoplasm, and nuclei of neurons a fluorescent silver/white color under UV light excitation. Nissl substance is not normally found in the axon hillock or the axon itself. NisslFluor™ Silver will be of high contrast, resolution, and brightness and resistant to fading. Visible under blue light (450-495 nm) excitation. This fluorochrome demonstrates little fluorescence under green light excitation (500ヨ570 nm) or UV excitation (330-380 nm).
Application DetailsProduct TR-230-NSL will stain the soma and proximal reaches of dendrites, cytoplasm, and nuclei of neurons a fluorescent silver/white color under UV light excitation. Nissl substance is not generally found in the axon hillock or the axon itself. Please see our website product listing to download the associated protocol for complete use instructions. The number of slides stained will depend upon the species and size of the sections used and the staining container. Using a typical 50 mL Coplin jar, 160 slides (two mouse brain sections per slide) could easily be stained in one afternoon. The entire kit will stain at least 800 slides.
TargetHealthy neurons: Nuclei, Soma, and Dendrites.
SpecificityStaining Nissl substances are present in neuronal soma and dendrites, not typically found in axons. Note: Like their bright-field counterparts, Nissl stains will stain all cells in the brain, not just the neurons. However, the staining of non-neuronal cells will be limited to their nuclei and a very thin rim of cytoplasm. By contrast, the cytoplasm and proximal dendrites of the larger neurons will be quite prominent and easily noticeable.
Target Host SpeciesHuman
Species ReactivityHuman, Mouse, Other Mammals, Rat
Ex/Em MaxNisslFluor™ Silver RTD™ labeled neurons are visualized with UV light excitation (like those used for visualizing DAPI). A quality DAPI-type filter set will work in more instances. A UV-light laser excitation (330-380 nm) can be used on a laser system.
Purity DescriptionThin layer chromatography using alumina plates and a solvent system of ethanol and water (3:1) revealed the presence of fluorescent isomers. No amount of starting material was detected.
FormatThe reagents in the NisslFluor™ RTD™ (10X) are all supplied in a liquid format and are ready-to-dilute.
Concentration10X
Reconstitution InstructionsDilute solutions as directed in the protocol instructions. Sometimes, small precipitates may be present in the stock or diluted solutions. Complete mixing of the diluted solutions usually dissolves the precipitates.
Storage InstructionsThe stock solution can be stored for up to 6 months after receipt at 2-8ºC protected from light. No preservatives. Use sterile technique when handling and proper laboratory procedures. 1X solutions should be made fresh every day when in use.
Storage Temperature2-8ºC
Batch NumberPlease see item label.
Expiration DateUnopened kit 6 months at 2-8ºC protected from light. See Storage instructions for working solutions recommendations.
Cellular LocalizationNuclei, soma, dendrites
Scientific BackgroundNissl substance, also termed chromophilic substance, exists as granular organelles in neuron cytoplasm. Named after its 19th-century discoverer, neurologist Franz Nissl, it consists of rough endoplasmic reticulum, RNA, and proteins and aids in protein synthesis for cell functions like growth and repair. Predominantly located in the neuron's soma, it's also in proximal dendrites but absent in axons. Its appearance and distribution vary based on the neuron type and activity. For instance, protein-synthesizing neurons like pyramidal cells contain large, basophilic Nissl chunks due to their maintenance needs, whereas sensory ganglion cells have dispersed, powdered forms. Typically, they're uniformly spread in the soma and dendritic regions, but their outward concentration might indicate neuronal damage or diseases, such as through central chromatolysis. Notably, after an axon is severed, its Nissl substance vanishes from the cell body. As a key neuronal activity and damage marker, changes in Nissl substance's size and distribution often signal stimuli response and are evident in conditions like Alzheimer's, where its reduction is linked to cognitive decline.
Image of mouse brain tissue (Images A, B, C by Immunofluorescence) stained with NisslFluor™ Silver (TR-230-NSL). Prominent staining of neuronal soma and dendrites is observed, characteristic of healthy neurons