[Measurements of amylase isoenzymes in sera and saliva of patients after radiotherapy because of larynx carcinoma].

Serum and salivary alpha-amylase were measured for controls and patients with laryngeal carcinoma before, and after localised irradiation including salivary glands. Additionally amylase isoenzymes in sera were measured using mini-column method. A significant increase in amylasemia was observed after irradiation. Alpha-amylase activity in saliva was decreased after irradiation but differences were not statistically significant due to the significant decrease of protein in saliva of irradiated group. An increase of salivary isoenzyme S activity was observed while pancreatic isoenzyme activity was not altered. This method allows easy differentiation of hyperamylasemia due to irradiation of parotid gland and disorders of the pancreas. Alpha-amylase activity measurements may detect metabolic changes in salivary glands after irradiation.