Cresyl Violet acetate

Cresyl violet acetate is a red fluorescent stain, which can be used to stain neurons.

The estimated total number of SG neurons is 27,485±3251 and 26,705±1823 in the PV and Cresyl violet acetate stained sections, respectively. There is no significant difference between them (p=0.552). Therefore, Cresyl violet acetate staining is simpler and more cost effective when estimates neuronal number. Although PV stains spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) with a greater intensity and provides a functional status, its tedious protocol limits its use for quantification. Total RC volume is estimated using probe and it is found that an average RC volume of 2.162±0.35 mm3 and 1.82±0.33 mm3 in Cresyl violet acetate staining and PV immunostaining sections, respectively. Volume of neurons is estimated using nucleator probe and it is 3487.63±951 μm3 and 3740.1±784 μm3 in Cresyl violet acetate staining and PV immunostaining sections, respectively. Similarly, volume of neuronal nucleus is also estimated using nucleator probe and it is found to be 131.68±50 μm3 and 126.51±33 μm3 in Cresyl violet acetate staining and PV immunostaining sections, respectively[1].

[1]. Kaur C, et al. Comparison of unbiased stereological estimation of total number of cresyl violet stained neurons and parvalbumin positive neurons in the adult human spiral ganglion. J Chem Neuroanat. 2017 Jun 23. pii: S0891-0618(17)30037-6.