Bone‐Staining Technique for Fetal Rat Specimens without Skinning and Removing Adipose Tissue

Abstract

Abstract: A rapid procedure was developed for staining fetal rat specimens. Full‐term rat fetuses were fixed in 99% ethanol and only thoracoabdominal organs were removed. Without skinning and removing adipose tissue and eye balls, the specimens were placed in 85% ethanol containing 1.5% KOH and 0.0015% alizarin red S for 5 days. The specimens were macerated in 1% aqueous KOH and cleared in 50% glycerin solution. The skeleton was visible through surrounding tissue containing adipose tissue which became transparent.