Amylase and Its Diagnostic Significance

What is the primary function of amylase in the body?

Which of the following tissues is NOT a major source of serum amylase?

What ions are required for the activation of amylase?

What could potentially cause elevated levels of serum amylase aside from acute pancreatitis?

What is the reference range for serum amylase activity at 37°C?

Which of the following statements about serum amylase is true?

Which method is NOT commonly used for amylase assay?

What is the molecular weight range of amylase?

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.

This quiz covers the enzyme amylase, its role in starch digestion, and its diagnostic significance in various medical conditions. Learn about amylase's function, testing methods, and the implications of elevated serum levels. Test your knowledge on amylase to enhance your understanding of this important enzyme.