Amylase

amylase /am·y·lase/ (am´i-las) an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into simpler compounds. The a-a's occur in animals and include pancreatic and salivary amylase; the ß-a's occur in higher plants.

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am·y·lase (m-ls, -lz)

n.

Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch to sugar to produce carbohydrate derivatives.

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Amylase

A digestive enzyme made primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands.

Mentioned in: Amylase Tests, Lipase Test

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amylase (am´ilās),

n an enzymatic protein essential for changing starches into sugars.

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amylase

an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into simpler compounds. The a-amylases occur in animals and include pancreatic and salivary amylase; the ß-amylases occur in higher plants. Measurement of serum a-amylase activity is an important diagnostic test for acute pancreatitis and acute attacks of chronic pancreatitis.

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amylase isoenzymes

serum amylase is composed of a number of isoenzymes, isoamylases, probably originating from different tissues. Elevation of an isoenzyme of hepatic origin is found in hyperadrenocorticism.

amylase reaction

an identification test, based on an extracellular product of group A ß-hemolytic streptococci.

serum amylase

the most significant laboratory aid in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis or exacerbations of a chronic pancreatitis. Other organs may also produce the enzyme, or its isoenzymes, but the amounts are normally limited.

urine amylase

dogs excrete very little amylase in the urine in contrast to humans where urine levels of the enzyme may be valuable in assessing the progress of a case of pancreatitis.