The Jones' Methenamine Silver stain (JMS) is used to demonstrate renal basement membranes. The JMS staining reaction is based on oxidation-reduction principles. As with other methenamine silver stains, the JMS relies on the oxidation of carbohydrates, which are found within the basement membranes, to aldehydes. This is accomplished with the use of periodic acid. Methenamine silver provides the alkaline properties needed to reduce silver nitrate to metallic/visible silver. Gold chloride is used to tone the tissue section while sodium thiosulfate removes unreduced silver and stops the reaction. The JMS is often counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), but can be counterstained with light green solution if desired.
