Dapi is used to stain the DNA in nuclei, fluorescent, and have seen it used
on both fixed (formalin and acetone) tissues, cells and bacteria.  

You can actually buy a mounting media containing DAPI, a nice way to
counterstain the nuclei a bluish fluorescence with another
immunofluorescent label, Vectashield with DAPI from Vector.

Caveat - when using this stuff, wear gloves, it will bind to your DNA also,
and who knows what effects that may have on down the line.  

Biotechnics and Histochemistry journal has had several articles on DAPI,
Vector@vectorlabs.com (ask for Craig) may also have references concerning
the use of DAPI.




Gayle Callis
Veterinary Molecular Biology
Montana State University
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-4705
406 994-4303