Figure 1.

A Semi-quantitative analog grading scale of immunohistochemistry staining is proposed for sucrase-isomaltase expression along the apical mucosal surface (brown). The relatively unavailability of activity assays makes immunohistochemistry staining and attractive alternative and worthy of further development. The images selected about are representative of correctly handled samples and were compared with the reported Dahlqvist assay outcomes (μM/min/gram-protein). Enzyme activity results were normalized using total protein content determinations which are problematic since biopsies may contain various amounts of protein depending upon the forceps depth and concurrent retrieval of adventitia. Such adjustments that could easily skew the reported disaccharidase activity outcomes; immunohistochemistry staining may offer a more practical and cost-effective alternative.