Cellular Biochemistry and metabolism 1 CLS 331 Quantitative determination Of serum amylase activity Cellular Biochemistry and metabolism 1 CLS 331 Dr. Samah Kotb Lecturer of Biochemistry 2015

Quantitative determination of serum amylase activity

Amylase Amylase is an enzyme that changes complex sugars (starches) into simple sugars during digestion. Levels of amylase in the blood can be used to help diagnose and monitor diseases, such as diseases of the pancreas and salivary glands, or to determine whether the intestines have been damaged.

There are two kinds of amylase enzymes: Alpha-amylase (ptyalin), which is produced by the salivary glands.This enzyme begins starch digestion in the mouth and continues to work in the stomach. Pancreatic amylase, which is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine. This enzyme continues the starch digestion process.

An amylase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a sample of blood taken from a vein or in a sample of urine.

Normally, only low levels of amylase are found in the blood or urine Normally, only low levels of amylase are found in the blood or urine. But if the pancreas or salivary glands become damaged or blocked, more amylase is usually released into the blood and urine. In the blood, amylase levels rise for only a short time. In the urine, amylase may remain high for several days.

Salivary glands produce saliva, which moistens the mouth to help a person chew and swallow food. Saliva also contains substances (enzymes) that begin the breakdown of food.

There are four pairs of salivary glands: The parotid glands are located between the ear and the jaw. The submandibular glands are located under the jaw.

The sublingual glands are located on the floor of the mouth under the tongue. The buccal glands are not shown in this picture. They are located in the mucous membrane lining the cheeks and mouth. These glands produce only a small amount of saliva.

Salivary Glands

Why It Is Done A test for amylase is done to: Find pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases. See if the treatment for pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases is working. Check swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands.

How To Prepare To prepare for an amylase test: For a blood test for amylase, do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 2 hours before having the test. For a 24-hour urine test for amylase, be sure to drink enough fluids during the test to prevent dehydration.

Many medicines may affect the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the non-prescription and prescription medicines you take.

How It Is Done Blood test Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put the needle in the vein.

Clean the needle site with alcohol. Put the needle in the vein. Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.

Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected. Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.

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Reagents Note: 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid – MES buffer

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Clinical significance