Amylase enzyme (pancreatic)

Pancreatic amylase is a digestive enzyme primarily produced by the pancreas, with minor contributions from the salivary glands. Its main function is to catalyze the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars during digestion. After being synthesized in pancreatic acinar cells, it is secreted into the duodenum as a major component of pancreatic fluid. Elevated levels indicate acute inflammation or injury but may also occur due to macroamylasemia (complexes with immunoglobulins). Isolated deficiency results in carbohydrate malabsorption syndromes characterized by undigested starch reaching distal intestines with associated symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea.