Gordon & Sweet's stain demonstrates which fiber system?

• A. Reticulin
• B. Melanin
• C. Nissl substance
• D. Amyloid

Answer: (A)

Gordon & Sweet staining is a silver stain that highlights the reticulin fiber network, which is made of type III collagen. It selectively impregnates and blackens these delicate reticular fibers, making the fine framework of organs like the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes clearly visible. This is why the correct choice is reticulin.

Melanin is a pigment in the skin and other tissues and is typically demonstrated with special stains like Fontana-Masson. Nissl substance refers to the rough endoplasmic reticulum in neurons and is seen with Nissl stains. Amyloid deposits are detected with Congo red (and viewed with polarized light for apple-green birefringence). Gordon & Sweet specifically reveals the reticular fiber network, not those other tissue components.