Which method is used to demonstrate glycogen among the following?

• A. Best carmine
• B. Congo red
• C. Giemsa
• D. Mayer mucicarmine

Answer: (A)

Glycogen is a cytoplasmic carbohydrate that can be visualized in tissue sections with stains that bind polysaccharides. Best carmine stains polysaccharides, including glycogen, in cells, producing a distinct magenta deposit that makes glycogen-rich areas stand out. Congo red targets amyloid and shows apple-green birefringence under polarized light, not glycogen. Giemsa is a general stain for cellular and blood elements and parasites and doesn’t specifically highlight glycogen. Mayer mucicarmine stains acidic mucins and basement membranes, not glycogen. So, Best carmine is the most appropriate method to demonstrate glycogen among these options.