Activity of urinary alpha-amylase isoenzymes in marathon runners.

The activity of urinary total alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) as well as of its pancreatic and salivary isoenzymes was determined in Marathon runners using the Labordiagnostica Gödecke "Enz-Amyl-Isoamylase" test set with specific inhibitor extracted from wheat germs. Initial total alpha-amylase activity equals about 20 U/l with the 56% share of type P isoenzyme. The correlation was found between the race score and changes in enzymatic activity after subgrouping the racers according to their scores in Marathon race. After the race total alpha-amylase activity rose respectively 3.14 and 8 times in particular groups, the proportion of isoenzymes being also changed. The activity of type P isoenzyme rose 16 times immediately after the race, and that of type S one 11 times 24 h after the race. The determination of the activity of these enzymes may be helpful in the evaluation of physical effort.