Serum total amylase activity and its isoenzyme fractions in newborn pigs with relation to growth and iron dextran-treatment.

Serum amylase activity was analyzed chromogenically (blue starch method) and its isoenzyme was separated by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis in newborn pigs comparing with those in adult pigs. Serum amylase activity in newborn pigs was about one half of adults' and increased with age. Serum amylase isoenzymes were separated into 4 fractions from the cathode. The isoenzymes were also classified in 5 types on the basis of the combination of these 4 fractions. Incidences of the fractions and the types were not significantly different between adults and newborns. After the iron dextran treatment, serum amylase activity as well as levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and packed cell volume increased. The rates of increase in hemoglobin and packed cell volume were more significant in the double treatment group than in the single treatment group, while serum amylase activity increased similarly in these 2 groups. The increase in serum amylase activity seemed to indicate that the development of amylase-producing organs was reinforced by the iron compound treatment. It is thought that serum amylase activity may be an indicator of healthy growth in newborn pigs.