Kull Method
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Kull method is a staining technique used for mitochondria, developed as a modification of Altmann's method. It involves specific steps using acid fuchsin, thionin or toluidine blue, and aurantia to achieve staining where mitochondria appear blue-red, chromatin appears blue, and protoplasm appears yellow-brown.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
KULL METHOD (Kull) is used for staining mitochondria and is a modification of Altmann's method (see Altmann's methods). It consists of the following steps. 1) Sections are stained with Altmann's acid fuchsin solution with heating until vapors appear. 2) Cool and wash with distilled water. 3) Counterstain in a 0.5% aqueous solution of Thionin or Toluidine blue (1-2 minutes). 4) Rinse with distilled water. 5) Differentiate in a 0.5% solution of Aurantia in 70% alcohol (20-40 minutes). 6) Quickly pass through alcohols, starting with 96%, to Canada balsam. Results: mitochondria are blue-red, chromatin is blue, protoplasm is yellow-brown. The method gives excellent results when staining Negri bodies, which take on a bright red color.
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“Kull Method.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/kull-method/