[Argentaffinity and argentophilia. II. The sensitivity of histochemical argentophilic techniques (author's transl)]

Abstract

The Author analyzes the relationship between argentophilia and argentaffinity, showing the importance and significance of the collection in parallel of the data which, only when integrated, make it possible to obtain complete and valid results, especially with regard to argentophilia. He then presents in tabular form and discusses the various situations that can occur in the case of argentophilia, both primary and secondary. As regards the latter, he takes into the consideration the initial and final characteristics, both of argentophilia and of argentaffinity, evaluating the importance of the comparison. The Author then illustrates, both along general lines and in specific application, the advantages and limits of the utilization, in accordance with the criteria considered, of argentophilia as a histochemical reaction. The latter may be compared to an argentaffinity reaction made more sensitive, although less selective, and appears to be valid even if, in certain cases, it cannot lead to precise and definite diagnostic results, but only to a sure distinction between different formations or materials.