Peripheral nerve is a good control for the Bodian stain.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only brain tissue can be used as control
• D. Muscle tissue is the best control

Answer: (A)

Bodian stain visualizes nerve fibers through silver impregnation, so a good control should demonstrate the expected staining of axons. Peripheral nerves provide abundant, well-organized nerve fibers, so when the stain works, these fibers appear darkly stained with a clean background. This makes peripheral nerve a reliable positive control to confirm that impregnation, reduction, and differentiation steps are functioning correctly and that artifacts aren’t masking the fibers. Brain tissue can be stained as well, showing neuron cell bodies and neuropil, but its variability makes it a less straightforward control for nerve fiber visualization. Muscle tissue, lacking nerve fibers of interest, cannot serve as a proper control for this stain. Therefore, peripheral nerve is a good control for the Bodian stain.