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Duprès’ Magenta for Nuclei

Duprès' Magenta

for Nuclei

7
steps
6
materials

Materials

Stock basic fuchsin

MaterialAmount
Basic fuchsin
0.75g
Ethanol, 95%20mL
Distilled water80mL

Preparation

  1. Mix the ethanol and water. Add the basic fuchsin.
  2. Heat at 40°C for 48 hours. Cool and filter.

Solution A

MaterialAmount
Stock basic fuchsin5mL
Aniline water100mL
Acetic acid, glacial1.5mL
Distilled water100mL

Solution B

MaterialAmount
Formalin, conc. (40%)20mL
Acetic acid, glacial25mL
Distilled water50mL

Tissue Sample

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

Protocol

  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

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

Safety Note

Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.

References

  1. 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.