Parietal cells Autoantibodies (serum)

General Information

Addison-Birmer disease (Pernicious anemia) It is a chronic condition characterized by megaloblastic anemia and degenerative lesions of the gastric mucosa and nervous system cells. It is the basis for the development of this condition B12 Vitamin malabsorption from the intestine, internal factor Due to the absence, which is based on an autoimmune background.

Absorption of vitamin B12 in humans is related to the presence of intrinsic factor. It is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells at the base of the stomach. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and ensures its absorption by the small intestine, particularly the ileum.

In addition to gastritis, megaloblastic pernicious anemia may be caused by antibodies against gastric parietal cells. These autoantibodies are found in 90% of patients with pernicious anemia.

Autoantibodies interact with hydrogen/potassium-ATPase (an enzyme located on the parietal cell membrane) and cause autoimmune inflammation, followed by destruction of gastric parietal cells, reduction in their production of intrinsic factor, and as a result, decreased absorption of vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract.

When is the survey conducted?

In pernicious anemia

To confirm the autoimmune nature of vitamin B12 deficiency

in megaloblastic anemia

Preparation of the patient: it is not necessary

Material for examination: Venous blood

Referral norm:  Antibodies against parietal cells are normally negative.

Interpretation

A positive response indicates the presence of gastric antiparesis IgG antibodies and confirms the suspicion of pernicious anemia or a concomitant autoimmune process. The presence of autoantibodies has been confirmed in 90% of patients with pernicious anemia and in 30% of their first-degree relatives.

Autoantibodies against gastric parenchymal cells have also been found in other autoimmune diseases, such as: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, Type 1 diabetes, Alopecia areata, vitiligo and others.

The titer of antiparietal autoantibodies in blood serum does not correlate with the severity of the disease in patients with chronic autoimmune gastritis or other autoimmune diseases.

With age, the presence of these antibodies increases even in the healthy population. A negative antibody titer does not exclude pernicious anemia or autoimmune diseases.

Circulating immune complexes may give us a false-positive response to antiparietal antibodies.