Abstract |
Macromolecules are known to precipitate selectively in concentrated solutions of polyethylene glycol. This report describes the use of polyethylene glycol 6000 to distinguish macroamylase from normal-sized serum amylase. Preliminary studies indicated that a PEG concentration of 12% and a 10-min incubation at 37 degrees C separated normal serum amylase from macroamylase. Using these conditions, study of 18 macroamylase-containing sera showed precipitation of at least 73% of the amylase activity. In contrast, in 46 normal sera and 16 hyperamylasemic (but not macroamylasemic) sera, less than 52% of the amylase activity was precipitated by polyethylene glycol. This test provides a rapid, simple, and accurate means of determining if macroamylasemia is the cause of hyperamylasemia.
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Authors | M D Levitt, C Ellis |
Journal | Gastroenterology
(Gastroenterology)
Vol. 83
Issue 2
Pg. 378-82
(Aug 1982)
ISSN: 0016-5085 [Print] United States |
PMID | 6177576
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Polyethylene Glycols
- Amylases
- macroamylase
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Topics |
- Amylases
(blood)
- Chemical Precipitation
- Humans
- Methods
- Polyethylene Glycols
- Temperature
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