Clinical Value of Amylase Isoenzyme Determinations

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Amylase isoenzyme determination, using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis and a chromogenic starch substrate, was performed in 30 cases of hyperamylasemia in an attempt to evaluate its clinical usefulness. Six isoenzymes (three pancreatic and three salivary) can be rapidly differentiated with this method. All 15 patients with clinically diagnosed pancreatic disease had elevated pancreatic isoenzyme activities, as did six patients suspected of having pancreatic or peri-pancreatic disease. The isoenzyme pattern was not helpful in regard to etiology. In cases of clinically unexplained hyperamylasemia, elevations of a variety of isoenzyme activities were observed, notably the salivary components. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these increases is unknown. Amylase isoenzyme determinations apparently add little information in cases of clinically suspected pancreatitis. Their major role is in the investigation of cases of clinically unexplained hyperamylasemia, in which the procedure will more accurately define the tissue or organ of origin.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: