Tissue-specific distribution of amylase in the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis holbrooki)

Tissue-specific expression of alpha-amylase (E.C.3.2.1; α 1,4-glucan-4-glucano-hydrolase) was studied in the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis holbrooki). Gut activity patterns, immunohistochemical distribution in the hepatopancreas and tissue-specific activities and amount of amylase protein were characterized. In the gut, activity was observed all along the gut and no variation in this pattern was observed in individuals from two natural populations. In the hepatopancreas, amylase is found in pancreatic tissue. Highest amylase activity was observed in gut tissue but highest amount of amylase protein was found in the hepatopancreas.