Description:
Lipase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycerol and long-chain fatty acid esters. The enzyme and it's co-factor co-lipase are produced in the pancreas, and small quantities of lipase are also secreted by the salivary glands are the pulmonary and intestinal mucus membranes. Bile acids and co-lipase mixed together from complexes with lipid, and lipase binds onto the substrate/water. The measurement of lipase is utilized in investigation of pancreatic disorders. In acute pancreatitis, concentrations of lipase are 20-50 times the maximum value of reference within 4-8 hours following the initial abdominal pain, peaking within 24 hours and dropping off in the following 8-14 days. Elevated lipase levels can also be observed in chronic pancreatitis and obstructions of the pancreatic duct.
