Picric acid fixation is associated with hydrolyzing nuclei. Which other effect is noted for picric acid based on the material?

• A. Causes shrinkage
• B. Preserves glycogen
• C. Increases nuclear size
• D. Precipitates proteins

Answer: (A)

Picric acid fixation acts as a strong dehydrating and acidic fixative, which pulls water out of tissue and tends to cause shrinkage. In Bouin’s solution, the picric acid component is highly concentrated and creates a hypertonic environment, pulling water from cells and extracellular space so the tissue contracts. This shrinkage is a well-recognized effect alongside the known nuclear hydrolysis caused by the acidity. Among the options, tissue shrinkage is the best-described additional effect of picric acid fixation. Glycogen preservation is not a feature of picric acid fixatives, nuclei do not enlarge, and while some protein precipitation can occur with strong acids, the prominent observed outcome in this context is shrinkage.