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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of amylase in the body?
What is the primary function of amylase in the body?
- To enhance the absorption of vitamins
- To help in the digestion of lipids
- To breakdown proteins into amino acids
- To catalyze the breakdown of starch and glycogen (correct)
Which of the following tissues is NOT a major source of serum amylase?
Which of the following tissues is NOT a major source of serum amylase?
- Skeletal muscle
- Liver (correct)
- Salivary glands
- Pancreas
What ions are required for the activation of amylase?
What ions are required for the activation of amylase?
- Sodium and magnesium
- Iron and zinc
- Potassium and phosphate
- Calcium and chlorides (correct)
What could potentially cause elevated levels of serum amylase aside from acute pancreatitis?
What could potentially cause elevated levels of serum amylase aside from acute pancreatitis?
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What is the reference range for serum amylase activity at 37°C?
What is the reference range for serum amylase activity at 37°C?
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Which of the following statements about serum amylase is true?
Which of the following statements about serum amylase is true?
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Which method is NOT commonly used for amylase assay?
Which method is NOT commonly used for amylase assay?
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What is the molecular weight range of amylase?
What is the molecular weight range of amylase?
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Study Notes
Amylase
- Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and glycogen.
- Amylase is found in the pancreas and salivary glands, and in smaller quantities in skeletal muscle, small intestine, and fallopian tubes.
- Amylase is a small enzyme, readily filtered by the kidneys.
- Amylase is important in the digestion of starches.
- Amylase requires calcium and chloride ions for activation.
Diagnostic Significance of Amylase
- Elevated serum amylase levels can diagnose acute pancreatitis.
- Amylase can also be elevated in other disorders such as:
- Mumps
- Parotitis
- Perforated Peptic Ulcer
- Intestinal Obstruction
- Cholecystitis
- Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy
- Mesenteric Infarction
- Acute Appendicitis
Amylase Testing
- Amylase can be assayed by several different methods.
- Amylase is stable in serum and urine at room temperature for one week or at 4 degrees Celsius for two months.
- High triglyceride levels in the blood can suppress amylase activity.
- Salivary amylase activity is preferentially inhibited by wheat germ lectin.
Amylase Reference Ranges
- Serum amylase reference range: 28–100 U/L at 37°C.
- Urine amylase reference range: 1–15 U/h.
- Amylase activity is often expressed in Somogyi units, which can be converted to international units by multiplying by 1.85.
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