Lipases are Enzymes which hydrolyze glycerol esters of long fatty acids. The enzyme and its cofactor colipase are produced in the pancreas, lipase being also secreted in small amounts by the salivary glands as well as by gastric, pulmonary and intestinal mucosa. Bile acid and colipase form micellar complexes with the lipids and bind lipase on the substrate / water interface. Determination of lipase is used for investigation of pancreatic disorders. In acute pancreatitis the lipase concentrations rise to 2-50 fold the upper reference limit within 4-8 hours after the beginning of abdominal pain peaking at 24 hours and decrease within 8 to 14 days. Elevated lipase values can also be observed in chronic pancreatitis and obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
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