The effect of fixation on esterases

The localization of reaction product for non-specific esterase from fresh and aldehyde treated glandular tissue was examined. The electrophoretical studies showed a selective inhibition of certain isoenzymes and a change in mobility of some bands caused by aldehyde fixation. In sections a granular reaction could be identified after 5 min fixation with 1% formaldehyde while no such staining was visible in fresh tissue.