Product Overview :
Melanin is a non-hemoglobin-derived endogenous pigment produced by melanocytes, ranging from light brown to black. It is commonly found in the epidermis, retina, substantia nigra, and hair follicles. Melanin is insoluble in most organic solvents due to its tight association with proteins and can be slowly bleached by strong oxidants.
Pathologically, melanin is observed in benign nevi and malignant melanoma. In routine H&E staining, it appears brown to brown-black rather than true black.
The Masson–Fontana method exploits melanin’s ability to reduce ammoniacal silver to metallic silver (argentaffin reaction). After staining, melanin appears black. This is one of the most reliable special stains for melanin detection.