OXIDATIVE ENZYMES IN PARAFFIN SECTIONS

Abstract

The usefulness of paraffin sections was shown for the histochemical detection of some oxidative enzymes. The acetone fixed paraffin sections were floated on the incubating mixture containing Nitro-BT, substrates and others without sticking on the slide or cover glass, or stored in a refrigerator until use. DPN-and TPN-diaphorase (DPND, TPND), DPN-and TPN-linked dehydrogenase systems and succinic dehydrogenase system were examined. The diaphorases and succinic dehydrogenase have shown their marked activities and other dehydrogenases in various grades but not so prominent. The present procedures will give the sufficient results for the detection of oxidative enzymes in the lipid-rich tissues such as the adrenal cortex. It seems most likely that the success of the present studies might be due to the use of Nitro-BT for the hydrogen acceptor and to floating the paraffin sections directly on the incubating mixtures. Thus, the present procedures made it possible to stock the tissues maintaining the oxidative enzyme activities and to avoid or minimize the diffusion of the enzymes and produced formazan deposits.