IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF ALPHA-AMYLASE BY MONKEY PAROTID GLAND

Monkey parotid tissue was cultured in medium 199 for up to 9 days at 37 °C, with controls at 4 °C. Secretion of alpha-amylase into the medium continued for 3-4 days at 37 °C to a total amount per g of wet tissue significantly exceeding that of homogenized fresh tissue from the same gland. The secretion was slower for control cultures at 4 °C, and resulted in a total production of alpha-amylase only slightly exceeding the homogenization values. Experiments on one gland, including cultivation at 37 °C and at 4 °C, and homogenization of fresh tissue, are described in detail. The increase of alpha-amylase at 37 °C was interpreted as the result of in vitro synthesis of parotid protein. © 1969.