What tissue is used as control tissue for Alcian blue with hyaluronidase?

• A. Umbilical cord (two sections with and without)
• B. Liver
• C. Skin
• D. Brain

Answer: (A)

Alcian blue with hyaluronidase relies on hyaluronic acid content to show a digestion effect, so the best control tissue is one rich in hyaluronic acid. Umbilical cord, specifically the Wharton’s jelly, contains abundant hyaluronic acid. After treating with hyaluronidase, this tissue loses or greatly reduces its Alcian blue staining, confirming that the enzyme digestion is working and that the stain is detecting hyaluronic acid–related mucopolysaccharides. Other tissues like liver, skin, or brain don’t have the same pronounced hyaluronic acid content, so they’re not as reliable for demonstrating the digestion effect.