Hasnyálmirigyamiláz

Hasnyálmirigyamiláz, also known as pancreatic amylase, is an enzyme produced by the exocrine cells of the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates. Specifically, it breaks down complex carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen, into simpler sugars like maltose, maltotriose, and dextrins. This enzymatic action begins in the small intestine.

The production and secretion of pancreatic amylase are stimulated by the presence of food in the stomach and the release of hormones like secretin and cholecystokinin. Once released into the pancreatic duct, it travels to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, where it mixes with chyme. The optimal pH for pancreatic amylase activity is slightly alkaline, which is characteristic of the small intestine.

Measuring serum amylase levels is a common diagnostic tool in medicine. Elevated levels of pancreatic amylase in the blood can indicate various conditions, most notably acute pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. It can also be elevated in other conditions such as intestinal obstruction, perforated peptic ulcer, and mumps, although these are less common causes. Conversely, very low or absent amylase levels can suggest chronic pancreatitis or damage to the pancreatic ducts. While salivary amylase also digests carbohydrates, pancreatic amylase is responsible for the majority of starch digestion in the small intestine.