Which stain demonstrates rough endoplasmic reticulum in neurons?

• A. Cresyl echt Violet
• B. Luxol Fast Blue
• C. Bodian
• D. Holzer

Answer: (A)

Staining neuronal cell bodies to reveal the rough endoplasmic reticulum is accomplished with Cresyl echt violet. The rough endoplasmic reticulum forms Nissl bodies, which are ribosome-rich basophilic areas in the neuron’s soma. Cresyl violet is a basic dye that binds these acidic components, so the Nissl substance appears as purple‑blue granules, highlighting the cell body and proximal dendrites. This makes neurons stand out from glia and helps assess neuronal density and health. Other stains highlight different structures: Luxol fast blue targets myelin, Bodian stains certain neuronal processes and neurofibrils, and Holzer emphasizes nerve fibers; none specifically visualizes the rough endoplasmic reticulum like Cresyl violet does.