A modified and highly sensitive Golgi-Cox method to enable complete and stable impregnation of embryonic neurons.

The FD Rapid GolgiStain Kit (FD NeuroTechnologies, Inc., Ellicott City, MD) was developed using an improved Golgi-Cox impregnation method to provide stable, sensitive, and convenient staining of mature neurons. However, embryonic neurons cannot be clearly visualized using this method. We have further improved the Golgi-Cox method by introducing an additional aldehyde fixation step before impregnation; thus, we can stably and sufficiently impregnate fetal brain neurons so that even the fine branches of the dendritic trees are visible.