Salivary amylase activity in Samoan migrants

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Whole saliva was collected from adults and children in three communities of Samoan migrants in Hawaii. Amylase isoenzymes were separated by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes. Measurements weremade of amylase activities and protein content. Compared with reports of other populations, Samoans have a reduced number of a‐amylase isoenzymes and standard levels of salivary amylase and protein. Although the results are inconclusive, they presently do not support the genetotrophic hypothesis linking high starch diets with high levels of salivary a‐amylase.