Clinical Significance:
Α-Amylases are a group of hydrolases that split complex carbohydrates constituted of a-D-glucose units linked through carbon atoms 1 and 4 located on adjacent glucose residues. The a-amylase consists of two major isoenzymes, pancreatic and salivary, which are encoded by two different genes. aAmylase is present in large amounts in the pancreas where it is synthesized by acinar cells and then secreted into the intestinal tract via pancreatic duct system. The a-Amylase secreted by salivary glands initiate hydrolysis of starch while the food is in the mouth and esophagus. The action of the salivary amylase, once referred to as ptyalin, is terminated by acid in the stomach. In the intestinal tract, effective action of pancreatic and intestinal amylases is favored by the mild alkaline conditions in the duodenum. Intestinal maltase then further hydrolyzes maltose to glucose. a-Amylase measurements are used primarily for the diagnosis of pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas) as well as pancreatic diseases.
