Which reticulin staining method uses diamine silver in its protocol?

• A. Gomori reticulin stain
• B. Gordon and Sweets reticulin method
• C. Masson trichrome
• D. Movat pentachrome

Answer: (A)

Reticulin staining hinges on metallic silver impregnation to reveal the delicate reticular fiber network made of type III collagen. The Gomori reticulin stain uses diamine silver in its protocol to deposit silver specifically on these reticular fibers. After development, the reticular network appears dark (often black) while the surrounding tissue counterstains light, giving a clear view of the architecture of organs like liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.

Other options rely on different dye chemistry rather than silver impregnation. Masson trichrome and Movat pentachrome are dye-based stains that color collagen and other components with multiple pigments, not silver, so they don’t use diamine silver in their reticulin protocols. Gordon and Sweets is another silver-based reticulin method but uses a different silver approach, not the diamine silver variant specifically associated with Gomori.