Age-Dependent Changes in the α-Isoamylase Pattern of Human and Rat Parotid Glands

Abstract

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows four isoamylases in extracts prepared from rat parotid glands. With increasing age of the animals, a general decrease of amylase activity runs parallel with changes in the isoenzyme pattern. Determinations performed in tissues from 11 operated patients revealed similar changes in human parotidglands. The results are discussed with respect to general ageing processes.