Parietal Cell Antibody, Ifa In Dilutions in Nahur East, Mumbai

Parietal cell antibodies are autoantibodies that are generated by the immune system. They accidentally target a particular type of cells that line the stomach wall. These antibodies are associated with autoimmune gastritis and pernicious anaemia.

Parietal cells are responsible for secreting intrinsic factor which absorbs vitamin B12, which is essential for erythropoiesis. When the parietal cells are damaged, it can cause the inability to absorb vitamin B12 and anaemia. Parietal cell antibodies can be diagnosed with chronic autoimmune gastritis and may result in pernicious anaemia.

They are also associated with certain autoimmune diseases like

• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroiditis
• Addison's disease

Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune medical condition when the immune system accidentally targets its tissues and produces antibodies against the parietal cells. Following are the necessary functions of parietal cells:

Responsible for producing acid to aid food digestion and produce intrinsic factor
Formation of intrinsic factor is necessary to absorb vitamin B12 from food

When the parietal cells produce the stomach acids during digestion, they release vitamin B12 from food, combining with intrinsic factor to form a complex. This complex formation allows the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Apart from having functional roles in the nervous system and brain, vitamin B12 is essential in the production of red blood cells or RBCs.

When the immune system accidentally targets its tissues and develops parietal cell antibodies against the parietal cells, it can lead to inflammation and damage the parietal cells. It leads to an autoimmune medical condition known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis, which can destroy the function or production of intrinsic factor.

When your body produces insufficient intrinsic factor, excess vitamin B12 remains unabsorbed, causing vitamin B12 deficiency. It can result in megaloblastic anaemia, distinguished by the production of fewer but bigger RBCs.

Additionally, it can also lead to nerve-related symptoms and signs, including:

• Tingling in the feet and hands
• Numbness
• Slow reflexes
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance
• Unsteady walking

The lack of intrinsic factor causes vitamin B12 deficiency, which is known as pernicious anaemia. Apart from anaemia, reduced numbers of neutrophils and platelets can also occur in this condition.

Your doctor may order a parietal cell antibody test to diagnose pernicious anaemia. This test is most commonly done to diagnose pernicious anaemia, the leading cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

At Apollo 24|7, you can opt for a Parietal Cell Antibody Test if you experience the following symptoms:
Heartburn

• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding gums or swollen and red tongue
• Lightheadedness or headrush
• Constipation or diarrhoea

You can even have pernicious anaemia without having these symptoms. Your body very gradually absorbs vitamin B12 reserves. It can be several years before you develop the symptoms of pernicious anaemia.