Trap Stain

The TRAP Stain is used for the staining of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in osteoclasts. Bone mass is controlled by the balance between the activity of osteoblasts and the activity of osteoclasts. Alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase are used as markers for osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively.

 Formalin fixed, paraffin tissue sections.

Mineralized bone MUST be decalcified using EDTA.

Acid-decalcifiers inhibit enzymatic staining.

 Result:
Osteoclasts: red violet
Background: blue