Sections of mouse colon coloured in alcian blue in order to detect the very abundant mucus

Sections of mouse colon coloured in alcian blue in order to detect the very abundant mucus at this level of the intestine. Researchers sought to optimize the preparation of the colon sections so as to preserve this mucus, the presence of which is easily checked by the colour. Their aim was to preserve the intestinal microbiota associated with the mucus. In the longer term, they are eager to observe this microbiota by microscopy using specific Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) probes, in order to assess whether the phylum of the microbiota may be modified, for instance following a disturbance such as a tuberculosis infection.