9181. Gastric parietal cells, IgG antibodies (PCA)

Antibodies to gastric parietal cells lead to their destruction, disruption of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor secretion, and subsequent development of atrophic gastritis with hypoacidity. This condition is characterized by pallor, general weakness, reddened tongue, numbness in the extremities, and sometimes stomach pain. The test is used to diagnose the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency and to differentiate gastritis.

A complete blood count (CBC), a biochemical blood test, a vitamin B12 test, and an antibody test for intrinsic factor are prescribed.

Antibodies to gastric parietal cells are autoantibodies to the microsomes and cell surface of these cells, which are directly involved in the destruction of the parietal cell population and the development of atrophic gastritis with impaired vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum.

Antibodies to gastric parietal cells are detected in 90% of patients with pernicious anemia and in 50% of patients with atrophic gastritis without pernicious anemia.

The presence of antibodies to parietal cells is also detected in clinical manifestations of chronic atrophic gastritis, such as prolonged dyspepsia (without anemia) and iron deficiency anemia with a borderline decrease in B12 levels. Antibodies to gastric parietal cells are not specific for atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia. They can be detected in other autoimmune diseases: in 33% of cases in patients with thyroiditis, and less frequently in Addison's disease, myasthenia gravis, juvenile diabetes, ulcerative gastritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and even in healthy individuals (although their presence may also indicate asymptomatic atrophic gastritis). A negative test result for antibodies to gastric parietal cells allows for the accurate exclusion of pernicious anemia. The titers of these autoimmune antibodies do not correlate with the severity of gastric mucosal atrophy, so monitoring them is inappropriate.

Detection of antibodies to parietal cells is a more sensitive but less specific test for pernicious anemia than testing for antibodies that block intrinsic factor.

Diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis and pernicious anemia.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: