Y-body detection in formalin-fixed lymph nodes, using proteolytic enzymes and oxidative deamination.

The effect of proteolytic enzymes (Protease and Trypsin) and oxidative deamination (Chloramine-T and Sodiumhypochlorite) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lymph nodes with regard to detection of fluorescent Y-bodies was examined. Protease was found to be more suitable than the others; acid hydrolysis was found to be unsuitable. The results of Y-body detection were further improved by adding fixation of 30 minutes in Carnoy's solution.