1. Amylase StarchDextrins + Maltose + Maltotriose + Glucose Molecular wt: Salivary 51 - 59000 depending on ref. Pancreatic 50 - 55000 The major sources of this enzyme are the pancreas and salivary glands. The normal serum level is made up of approximately 2/3 salivary type and 1/3 pancreatic. Total serum amylase is measured almost exclusively to diagnose acute pancreatitis..

2. Amylase is elevated in: Acute pancreatitis Carcinoma of the pancreas Epidemic parotitis Acute cholecystitis Penetrating and perforated ulcers Mesentaric thrombosis Intestinal obstruction Ruptured ectopic pregnancy Uremia Postcholangiography Drugs: morphine, codeine

3. Urinary amylase Due to its small size, amylase is easily filtered by the glomerulus of the kidney and excreted in the urine. Therefore, urinary amylase should be increased in pancreatitis. Current practice is to implant the pancreas such that the exocrine drainage is into the urinary bladder and not the intestine. This makes it very convenient to monitor the function of the pancreas by measuring urinary amylase.

4. Role of G-6-PD Glucose-6- phosphate 6-phosphogluconic acid G-6-PD NADP + NADPH GR GR = glutathione reductase G-S-S-G2 G-SH (in RBC) Catalyzes the first reaction in the pentose phosphate pathway. Protects RBC from oxidative damage