[Amylase activity and isoamylase patterns in human parotid saliva (author's transl)].

For the determination of amylase activity and number of isoamylases in the parotid saliva of persons without diseases of the salivary glands, we investigated the saliva of 90 subjects who had been divided into 3 groups of 30 individuals each (up to 30 years, 31 to 60 years, 61 years and older). Within each group the sex ratio was 1:1. Although the amylase activities reveal no age-dependent differences, the number of isoamylases increases with age, the highest number being found only in the age group over 61 years. The possible diagnostic value of the determination of amylase activity and distribution of isoamylases is discussed.