Pancreatic Isoamylase as a Routine Test.

α-Amylase (1,4 -α-D-glucan-4-glucanohydrolase E. C. 3.2.1.1.) catalyses the hydrolysis of starch, glycogen and related poly- and oligosaccharides. The end products formed are maltose, short chain dextrins and some glucose. In man large amounts of amylases are secreted into the digestive tract by the salivary and pancreatic glands, minimal amounts also being produced in other tissues. Recently, techniques for specific determination of pancreatic isoamylase activity in plasma have been developed. Routine use of such techniques will increase the clinical value of amylase determination.