Group of widely distributed glycosidases that cleave the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bond in saccharides. Amylase and pancreatic amylase are used to diagnose acute or chronic recurrent pancreatitis, to detect pancreatic involvement in abdominal diseases, parotitis and to monitor the course of the disease after abdominal surgery.
Alpha-amylases (also called endoamylase) - point of attack inside the saccharide molecule. Occurrence: in animals (pancreatic enzymes, saliva, liver)
Beta-amylases - point of action at the non-reduced chain end of the saccharide molecule. Occurrence: only in plants
Standard values: Standard values:
Alpha-amylase (in serum): <110 U/l
Pancreatic amylase (in serum): 28-100 U/l
Pathologically increased: acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, obstruction of the pancreatic duct, concomitant pancreatitis, diseases of the salivary glands, alcoholism, liver diseases, renal insufficiency, diabetic ketoacidosis, opiate therapy or abuse.