Duprès' Magenta
for Nuclei

Solutions

Stock basic fuchsin
Basic fuchsin	0.75	g
Ethanol, 95%	20	mL
Distilled water	80	mL

Mix the ethanol and water. Add the basic fuchsin.

Heat at 40°C for 48 hours. Cool and filter.

Solution A
Stock basic fuchsin	5	mL
Aniline water	100	mL
Acetic acid, glacial	1.5	mL
Distilled water	100	mL

Solution B
Formalin, conc. (40%)	20	mL
Acetic acid, glacial	25	mL
Distilled water	50	mL

Tissue sample
5µ paraffin sections of neutral buffered formalin fixed tissue are suitable. Other fixatives are likely to be satisfactory.

Method

1. Bring sections to water via xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into solution A for 1-10 minute.
3. Rinse with distilled water.
4. Place into solution B for 5-10 minutes, until differentiated.
5. Stain with a contrast stain.
6. Dehydrate with ethanol.
7. Clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  red
• Cytoplasm  –  according to counterstain

Notes

1. Magenta is an older name for basic fuchsin. Since this is a mixture, it is likely that its component dyes could also be used.

 

Reference

Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist's Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by:– The Blakiston Co.
Republished by:– Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
  Citing:–
    Duprès, (1935)
    Journal number 11425, v. 46, pp. 77
Note:–  Gray identifies journals by a number from the world list of scientific
periodicals, ed. 2, 1934. Unfortunately, the journal listed as number 11425
is not identified by name in the list he provides. In a second reference to the
differentiator used in this technique he gives the journal number as 14425.
This may be the intended reference:–
    Duprès, (1935)
    Monitore zoologico italiano, v. 46, pp. 77
    Florence, Italy.