Comparative Demonstration of Somatic Cells using Modified Staining Techniques

Demonstration of somatic cells (SC) in the last few years been performed commonly by the method of Prescott and Breed. Other advanced techniques have been developed to demonstrate SC. Most of these methods are rather time-consuming and expensive. Demonstrating SC using a more rapid, less expensive, readily available and accurate method is of great value. This study demonstrated SC using modified staining technique with Methylene Blue (MB), Toluidine Blue (TB) and Hematoxylin (HX) stains. Milk was obtained from healthy cows at Zango Stall Barn, Zaria. Milk (3 ml) from each cow was aseptically collected. Smears were made by using 10 µl of the milk samples and immediately stained in freshly prepared MB, TB and HX for two minutes each. The stained slides were examined using light microscope. Staining characteristics and the general appearance of the somatic cellular structures were observed, and their photomicrographs captured using digital microscope camera. The results revealed features of the SC stained with MB to be preserved and distinctly stained with a clearly differentiated background aiding visualization and identification. Staining with HX revealed no distinct affinity for SC in the smears with poorly demonstrated SC. HX stain mostly reacted with the background features. The TB stained smear presented a slightly homogenous staining background giving it a blurry appearance with less affinity for fat droplets. In conclusion, the modified staining protocol with MB stain for demonstrating SC is satisfactory with well-preserved cellular features. This protocol is recommended for adoption in biomedical research and diagnostics in emergency cases.

Key Words: Fat droplet, Hematoxylin, Methylene blue, Staining affinity, Toluidine blue