Dear Eileen,

We have been using the following method since it was published by Lee
Luna in 1992. It works excellently. The reference for your information
is: Luna LG,  Luna DE. Methods for the use of hyaluronidase, amylase
and neuraminidase (sialidase). Histologic: Vol XX11. No 1. Jan/Feb.
1992; pp292.

Reagents.
Alpha amylase Sigma A6880   0.1g (preweigh and store in vials in a
dessicator  at 4C) Distilled water                         10ml
 Mix by inversion. Do not shake vigorously.

Method.
1. Dewax duplicate sections in xylene and hydrate in graded alcohols 
    to water.
2. Treat one section (labelled DIPAS) with 1% alpha amylase (prepared 
    as above) for 1 hour at 37C using a humidty chamber to prevent
    sections from drying out. Treat the duplicate section (labelled
    PAS) with distilled water and incubate as well for 1 hour at 37C.
    Use a separate humidity chamber to prevent  possible
    contamination.
3. Wash well in running tap water for 5 minutes.
4. Carry out the PAS procedure.

Hope this might be of help.


Ron Rainbow
Scientist in Charge
Department of Anatomical Pathology
Royal Hobart Hospital
GPO Box 1061L
Hobart
Tasmania
Australia 7001
Ph 0362228771
Facsimile 0362228191
eMAIL:  ron.rainbow@dchs.tas.gov.au