Pancreatic Enzymes Flashcards
What are the functions of the pancreas? (2)
- digestion of food (exocrine)
2. regulation of blood glucose (endocrine)
What are the digestive enzymes of the pancreas? (3)
- Amylase
- Lipase
- Trypsin
What does amylase digest?
starch
What does lipase digest?
fat
What does trypsin digest?
protein
What are the two pancreatic enzymes that are measured in a blood chemistry panel? (2)
- amylase
2. lipase
Where are pancreatic enzymes found? (2)
- primarily in the pancreas
- other parts of the GI tract
What do elevated levels of amylase and lipase tell us? (2)
- associated with injury to pancreatic cells
- elevations 3x’s the normal level are considered significant
Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (PLI)
What does it test for?) (2
- a highly specific test for pancreatitis in both dogs and cats
- also used to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiencies
Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity
What do increased and decreased levels indicate?) (2
- increased levels associated with pancreatitis
2. decreased levels associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
How does the body use glucose?
utilized by body tissues for energy
What do blood glucose levels tell us? (2)
- the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream
2. the amount of glucose leaving the bloodstream
What do glucagon and insulin do to help maintain normal glucose levels? (2)
Insulin increases, blood glucose decreases
Insulin decreases, blood glucose increases
What is a bolus?
a large amount of something given at one time
What is Hyperglycemia seen with?
diabetes mellitus
