Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In Masson Trichrome, which reagent provides the nuclear staining?

Masson trichrome uses an iron hematoxylin solution to stain nuclei. Weigert's iron hematoxylin binds to DNA in the nucleus, producing a dark, blue-black contrast that remains distinct after the other dyes are applied. This crisp nuclear stain provides the baseline against which the red-stained cytoplasm/muscle and the blue/green collagen are differentiated by the subsequent steps. Bouin's fixative helps prepare and intensify staining but does not stain nuclei. The phosphomolybdic–phosphotungstic acid mixture acts as a differentiator to separate components, and light green (or an equivalent) is the collagen counterstain. So the nuclear staining reagent is Weigert's iron hematoxylin.

Masson trichrome uses an iron hematoxylin solution to stain nuclei. Weigert's iron hematoxylin binds to DNA in the nucleus, producing a dark, blue-black contrast that remains distinct after the other dyes are applied. This crisp nuclear stain provides the baseline against which the red-stained cytoplasm/muscle and the blue/green collagen are differentiated by the subsequent steps. Bouin's fixative helps prepare and intensify staining but does not stain nuclei. The phosphomolybdic–phosphotungstic acid mixture acts as a differentiator to separate components, and light green (or an equivalent) is the collagen counterstain. So the nuclear staining reagent is Weigert's iron hematoxylin.