Abstract
Since pancreatic amylase (PA) is absent in prematures, GP hydrolysis depends on alternate enzymes. To assess premature SA as a PA surrogate we evaluated its production, acid resistance and hydrolytic potency in a simulated oro-pharyngeal (OP), gastric (G) and intestinal (I) environment. SA was added to yield 1.1 u/ml of a “modular” formula containing 7 gm/dl of 14C GP with degrees of polymerization (DP) 18-29 glucose units. After an 0.25 min. OP phase the G-phase was initiated by dilution with pepsin/HCl to yield pHs of 2, 3, 4, or 5. After 5 min. or 3 hours pH was adjusted to 7.0 with cholate/trypsin chynotrypsin/Na2CO3, (I phase). After the OP- and G- phases and 15, 60 and 180 mfn. of I-phase, oligosaccharides were separated by thin layer chromatography. % breakdown=cpm in DP 1-9 / cpm in total sample x 100.
Results: In 11 prematures SA activity was 1-33 u/ml; isozyme profile and acid resistance were identical to adult SA. Substantial G-phase breakdown only occurred with 3 hour exposure at pH 4 (12%) and 5 (32%). In the I-phase SA activity resumed. Prior G-phase pH affects ultimate I-phase breakdown, p<.001. (After 5 min. G-phase at pH 2&5, I-phase breakdown = 8&25%; after 3 hour G-phase at pH 2&5, I-phase = 17&55%.)
Conclusion: The limited SA of premature saliva can produce significant GP digestion in both the stomach and small intestine.
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Murray, R., Kerzner, B., Sloan, H. et al. 703 QUANTIFICATION OF GLUCOSE POLYMER (GP) DIGESTION BY PREMATURE SALIVARY AMYLASE (SA). Pediatr Res 19, 228 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00733
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00733
