Abcam, ab150687, Von Kossa Stain Kit (Calcium Stain)

Size: 30mL / 125mL
Von Kossa Stain Kit (Calcium Stain) ab150687 is used for staining calcium deposits in paraffin sections. - Based on modified silver staining method - Ideal for studying bone tissue and calcification - Cited in over 50 publications
Product details:
The Von Kossa (Calcium Stain) is intended for use in the histological visualization of calcium deposits in paraffin sections. This method is not specific for calcium itself but tissues are treated with a silver nitrate solution and the silver is deposited by replacing the calcium reduced by the strong light, and so can be visualized as metallic silver.
Other products for staining tissue sections
Find more kits and reagents in the
special stains guide
, or products for antigen retrieval, blocking, signal amplification, visualization, counterstaining, and mounting in the
IHC kits and reagents guide
Staining Interpretation
Calcium in mass deposits
Calcium in dispersed deposits
Nuclei
Cytoplasm
Light Pink
Control Tissue:
Any paraffin-embedded tissue that contains calcium deposits.
To prepare bone section without decalcification, the resin is recommended instead of paraffin.
Other Notes
Please note, the 125 mL selling size, was previously described as 100 Test. There has been no change to the physical product.

Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions-+4°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions-Multi, Storage information-Please refer to protocols

Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) serve as essential signaling molecules in various cellular processes. These ions have an atomic mass number of 40.08. Calcium ions are highly concentrated in bone tissues teeth and within cells mostly stored in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Common indicators of calcium concentration in research include the use of dyes such as Fura-2 and Calbryte 520 AM. These indicators help in visualizing the transient increases in intracellular calcium levels which are important in cellular signaling.
Biological function summary
Calcium ions mediate various physiological functions including muscle contraction neurotransmitter release and hormone secretion. They typically do not act as lone agents; instead they often function as part of protein complexes particularly with calcium-binding proteins like calmodulin and troponin C. Calcium ions also interact with enzymes such as protein kinases and phosphatases regulating metabolic pathways and genetic expression.
Pathways
Calcium ions play pivotal roles in the calcium signaling pathway and the cardiac excitation-contraction coupling pathway. In the calcium signaling pathway calcium ions once released from stores like the endoplasmic reticulum activate proteins such as calmodulin which then modulates various cellular activities. In the cardiac excitation-contraction coupling pathway calcium bows its link to proteins like sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase essential for heart muscle function.
Calcium ion dysregulation can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiac arrhythmias. In osteoporosis low calcium levels contribute to decreased bone density affecting bone health and making them prone to fractures. In cardiac arrhythmias abnormal calcium handling can result in irregular heartbeats. Proteins such as calbindin-D28k are closely connected to calcium metabolism disorders highlighting the significance of calcium in maintaining physiological balance.