List 2 techniques for demonstration of myelin.

• A. Weil and Luxol fast blue
• B. Bodian and Holmes
• C. Cresyl echt violet and Crystal violet
• D. Phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin and Gold sublimate

Answer: (A)

Demonstrating myelin relies on stains that selectively bind to the lipid-rich sheaths around axons, producing a distinct color that sets myelin apart from other tissue. Luxol fast blue is the classic dye that binds to myelin lipids, staining it blue. When used in the Weil method, Luxol fast blue is paired with a counterstain to highlight neuronal cell bodies, giving clear contrast between myelinated fibers and neurons. This combination makes demyelinated areas and the pattern of myelination easy to see, which is exactly what’s being demonstrated. The other options target different tissue components: silver stains for nerve fibers, Nissl stains for cell bodies, or other staining schemes that don’t specifically visualize myelin. Therefore, Weil and Luxol fast blue are the techniques best used to demonstrate myelin.