Amylase--its clinical significance: a review of the literature
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Assessing the Secretory Capacity of Pancreatic Acinar Cells
Published on: August 28, 2014
Abstract:
This review of the English literature on amylase was undertaken because no recent discussion of the subject could be located, no comprehensive list of disorders causing hyperamylasemia or hyperamylasuria is available, and several major advances in the area have been made, notably the amylase isoenzyme determination and Cam/Ccr ratio. Several important concepts have emerged from this review. First, hyperamylasemia and hyperamylasuria are not specific indices of the presence of pancreatic disease or damage. Second, serum and urinary amylase levels can be spuriously normal with hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis. Third, the current emphasis on diagnostic methods for measuring serum amylase isoenzymes promises to improve the specificity of this determination. It will also enhance our understanding of the sources, distribution, metabolism, and elmination of amylase. Fourth, the development of the Cam/Ccr ratio may provide a practical diagnostic tool for separating clinically significant hyperamylasemia due to pancreatitis from that caused by other factors. Both the the isoamylase determination and Cam/Ccr ratio clearly require future research to place their clinical application in the proper perspective.
More Related Videos
09:21Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.
Published on: February 15, 2019
05:33Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Human Digestion
Carbohydrate Digestion
Pancreatic Juice and Secretion
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology