Amylase Isoenzyme

General Information

Amylase is produced by the exocrine pancreas and the salivary glands to aid in the digestion of starch. It is also found in the liver and in the lining of the fallopian tubes. The greatest concentration is present in the pancreas, where the enzyme is synthesized by the acinar cells and then secreted into the intestinal tract by way of the pancreatic duct system.

The enzyme present in normal serum and urine is predominantly of pancreatic (P-type) and salivary gland (S-type) origin.

The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is sometimes difficult to make, since it must be differentiated from other acute intra-abdominal disorders and since an increase in serum amylase activity may not necessarily be due to pancreatitis.

The organ source can sometimes be identified by determining whether the major isoenzyme present is P-type or S-type.