Improved Histology for the Chick-Quail Chimera

A simple modification of nuclear staining after acid hydrolysis has been made which provides easy identification of quail nuclear markings in a chick-quail chimera. This method also improves the histologic detail normally seen with hematoxylin and eosin when compared to the more commonly used Feulgen reaction. Embryonic tissues can be fixed in Zenker's or Helly's solution and the sections obtained are hydrolyzed in acid (3.5 N HCl at 37 C for 40-50 min). After acid hydrolysis the sections are stained with hematoxylin and eosin rather than Schiff reagent and fast green. The interphase nuclei of chick cells show homogeneous or mottled purplish blue staining, while quail nuclei contain a dark blue spot. This staining corresponds to the reddish purple staining of the quail's heterochromatin seen adjacent to the nucleolus in the standard Feulgen stain. This new technique facilitates identification of quail cell types in the chick host and provides superior histology of the chick tissues by demonstrating cytoplasmic detail.