Which tissue component is demonstrated by Gold sublimate?

• A. Astrocytes
• B. Myelin
• C. Nissl substance
• D. Glial fibers

Answer: (A)

Gold sublimate is a staining method that highlights glial cells, particularly astrocytes, in central nervous tissue. The technique deposits gold in a way that makes the astrocyte cytoplasm and their extensive processes stand out, revealing the characteristic star-shaped appearance and the dense network of glial fibers formed by these cells. This makes astrocytes the most distinct component with this method. It does not target myelin (best seen with myelin-specific stains), nor Nissl substance (seen with cresyl violet), and while astrocyte processes contribute to the glial fiber network, the method’s hallmark visibility is the astrocyte cell bodies and their processes.