Cutaneous sensory nerve formations as studied with impregnation techniques: notes about a simple and reliable method

Abstract

In spite of the modern immunocytochemical methods employed in the study of peripheral sensory nerve formations, silver impregnations are still frequently used. This paper describes and discusses in detail a simple "Cajal-type" silver impregnation method suitable for the peripheral and central nervous systems, which offers excellent results when used in the study of sensory nerve formations. Essential features are (a) the use of a pretreatment solution containing sodium tartrate and picric acid; (b) the short time needed for the whole impregnation process; (c) its simplicity, and (d) the ability to show the axonal elements of sensory nerve formations and other very thin nerve fibres too difficult to be demonstrated with immunohistochemical methods. Taken together, these properties allow this method to be included among the so-called "routine methods."