Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) Staining Kit

The Fluoro-Jade B dye can be used on all kinds of preserved tissues, including fresh-frozen, paraformaldehyde or formalin fixed, and formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.

The powdered dye can be stored desiccated at room temperature in the dark. Storage in a desiccator is recommended as FJB is hydroscopic. The 0.01% stock solution will remain stable for 3 months when stored in a refrigerator, in the dark. The 0.0001-0.0004% working solution in 0.1% acetic acid should be used within 4 hours of preparation. Diluted FJB dye solutions are not stable and should not be stored. The other diluted solutions can be reused and stored for up to 48 hours if refrigerated and protected from light. Best results require freshly diluted solutions.

Thin layer chromatograpy using cellulose plates and a solvent system of n-propinol, water, and ammonium hydroxide (6:5:2) revealed the presence of two fluorescent isomers and two trace non-fluorescent bands. No amount of fluorescein or Fluoro-Jade was present.

Degenerating neurons, and neuronal degeneration. There is no specific staining in normal healthy brain. Note: Some researchers under some conditions report blood vessel staining with Fluoro Jade. This may be because Fluoro Jade is an analogue of eosin (which stains blood cells) . In general, good perfusion and preparation of the tissue should help prevent blood vessel staining but it may not be possible to eliminate it entirely. In our experience it is generally possible to distinguish neuronal from blood vessels staining by eye.