The diagnostic usefulness of serum
amylase isozyme measurement was investigated in 17 cases of definite
chronic pancreatitis and 13 cases of suspected
chronic pancreatitis, a total of 30 cases. Six types of serum
isoamylase patterns were distinguished according to the character of the two main
amylase activities at the fraction of fast-
gamma globulin and pre-
gamma globulin. The
amylase activity of the fast-gamma fraction rises in acute exacerbation, and falls in cases of chronic calcifying
pancreatitis and in cases with a marked decrease in pancreatic exocrine function. Especially, a fall in fast-
gamma amylase activity excellently reflects a decrease in pancreatic
enzyme production. The measurement of
amylase activity at the fast-gamma fraction therefore appears to be a useful method for assessing pancreatic damage. The significance of a frequent rise in pre-
gamma amylase activity in
chronic pancreatitis remains unknown.