Amylase secretion by parotid glands and pancreas of diabetic rats during feeding.

Parotid and pancreatic amylase secretion into the gastrointestinal tract during feeding was investigated in diabetic rats. In control rats, both parotid and pancreatic amylase activity decreased after feeding, while the amylase activity present in the gastric and small intestinal contents increased. In diabetic rats, parotid amylase activity, although reduced from control levels, decreased after feeding, and amylase activity of the parotid type appeared in the gastric content. Amylase activities in the diabetic pancreas and small intestinal contents at fasting were markedly reduced and did not show appreciable change with feeding. The total amylase activity in the small intestinal contents after feeding was markedly reduced in the diabetic rats, whereas the ratio of parotid to pancreatic amylase was markedly increased. These results suggest that the amylase secreted from the parotid glands into the gastrointestinal tract during feeding acts not only in the mouth and stomach but also in the small intestine of diabetic rats.