**6. Conclusion**

This study showed new functions of both exogenous and endogenous pancreatic α-amylase other than starch digestion in the small intestine. Exogenous α-amylase synthesized by the pancreas and secreted into the small intestinal tract enhances α-glucosidase activity and inhibits glucose uptake by SGLT1 in the small intestine BBM. The exogenous α-amylase was internalized into lysosomes and degraded in intestinal epithelial cells. On the other hand, endogenous α-amylase is highly expressed in the duodenum, where it enhances cell proliferation and differentiation.
