Enzyme histochemistry on freeze-substituted glycol methacrylate-embedded tissue

We developed a method for histochemical demonstration of a wide range of enzymes in freeze-substituted glycol methacrylate-embedded tissue. Tissue specimens were freeze-substituted in acetone and then embedded at low temperature in glycol methacrylate resin. All enzymes studied (oxidoreductases, hydrolases) were readily demonstrated. The enzymes displayed high activity and were accurately localized without diffusion when tissue sections were incubated in aqueous media, addition of colloid stabilizers to the incubating media not being required. Freeze-substitution combined with low-temperature glycol methacrylate embedding permits the demonstration of a wide range of enzymes with accurate enzyme localization, maintenance of enzyme activity, and excellent tissue morphology.