I have seeded HT29 MTX E12 cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, into 12 well plate inserts. They are supposed to produce mucus. Now I want to stain the mucus, to monitor mucus production and thickness. Preferably, I would want to do that without taking sections of the filter+cells. Is there any method?
We used to stain human bronchial epithelial cells grown on Transwell inserts for mucins/mucopolysaccharides with various stains: Alcian Blue, Alcian Blue-PAS, mucicarmine, etc. This was done one fixed Transwells. Leica has a small page detailing some of these methods:
http://www.leicabiosystems.com/pathologyleaders/special-stain-techniques-for-the-evaluation-of-mucins/
Are you looking to stain on fixed cells or do you want to try to sequentially stain the same live cells over time? Not sure how you'd accomplish the latter, as some of the reagents can be harsh (ie: the Alcian Blue stains use periodic acid, if I recall correctly). I'm not sure how well unfixed live cells would tolerate something like that.
Try to use Colloidal Iron,although I'm not sure if it work without fixation
Hi,
I was just wondering if you managed to find the solution to this. I am also working with HT29-MTX cells and I am hoping to stain the mucus in such a way that I can monitor the mucus thickness and confirm visually that it increases over time. Any suggestions will be much appreciated
Finally, did you fix your problem.
I'm very interested in having the solution.
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