Dave,
I agree essentially agree with Bryan about the factor XIIIa protocol.  I've
been obsessed with FXIIIa+ histiocytic  cells for four years and have
written about it a few times.  I use the Calbiochem rabbit annti-human
diluted 1:400 in PBS with 1% bovine serum albumen added.  I digest formalin
fixed tissues for 30 min at 37 degrees using the Sigma trypsin tablets and
the antibody incubation I use is 30 minutes at room temp.Sometimes omitting
digestion works but I've had more consistent results by using the trypsin.
A few tumor cases I've studied that were fixed in HistoChoice wouldn't
stain after digestion but were fine without it. Hope this helps.
Jeff Silverman
Southampton NY USA Hospital (for now)
peptolab@hamptons.com

----------
> From: Dave Tacha <dtacha@ncal.verio.com>
> To: Histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Factor X111a Protocol
> Date: Thursday, October 08, 1998 11:30 AM
>
> We've been using a polyclonal antibody to the A-subunit of human
> coagulation Factor XIII (Factor XIIIa).  It seems to work fine without
> any pretreatment.  We used skin, placenta and a capillary hemangioma for
> controls.  We tried digestion and it didn't seem to make much
> difference.  However, the literature shows many procedures using either
> trypsin or antigen retrieval methods.  Could someone who has work a lot
> with this antibody please enlighten me?
>
> Thanks
>
>
>