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Amylase is an enzyme that splits starch (complex sugar chains) into simple sugars, enabling it to be digested and metabolized.
Amylase is produced in the:
Liver
Pancreas
Salivary glands
Fallopian tubes
Elevations may be found in:
Any traumatic injury to any of these structures
Any disease affecting one of these structures
Pancreatitis
Cholecystitis
Peritonitis
Alcohol poisoning
Decreases may occur in:
Pre-eclampsia
Severe burns
Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Normal Values*
Men
50–150 U/L
Women
60–180 U/L
Pregnancy
90–350 U/L
*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.
Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington DC, 20372-5300, USA
