Congo Red and amyloids: history and relationship

• Published in: Bioscience reports Vol. 39; no. 1
• Main Authors: Yakupova, Elmira I., Bobyleva, Liya G., Vikhlyantsev, Ivan M., Bobylev, Alexander G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Portland Press Ltd 31.01.2019
• Subjects: Amyloid - analysis; Amyloid - history; Amyloidosis - diagnosis; Amyloidosis - history; Amyloidosis - pathology; Benzothiazoles - chemistry; Benzothiazoles - history; Coloring Agents - chemistry; Coloring Agents - history; Congo Red - chemistry; Congo Red - history; History, 17th Century; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Immunohistochemistry - history; Immunohistochemistry - methods; Protein Aggregates; Review; Staining and Labeling - history; Staining and Labeling - methods; amyloids; Congo red; amyloidosis; amyloid staining; amyloid dye; amyloid detection
• ISSN: 0144-8463; 1573-4935; 1573-4935
• DOI: 10.1042/BSR20181415

Staining with Congo Red (CR) is a qualitative method used for the identification of amyloids in vitro and in tissue sections. However, the drawbacks and artefacts obtained when using this dye can be found both in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of scientific data from previous studies shows that CR staining alone is not sufficient for confirmation of the amyloid nature of protein aggregates in vitro or for diagnosis of amyloidosis in tissue sections. In the present paper, we describe the characteristics and limitations of other methods used for amyloid studies. Our historical review on the use of CR staining for amyloid studies may provide insight into the pitfalls and caveats related to this technique for researchers considering using this dye.