[Interepithelial lymphocytes in the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of atrophic gastritis (electron-microscopic...

Electron microscopic studies of fundal gastrobiopsies from patients with atrophic gastritis have been performed. Fat degeneration in all epitheliocytes and release of myelin-like figures (residual bodies) in the interepithelial space of the mucosa were observed. Permanent contact of the residual bodies possessing both antigenic properties and specific structural signs of biological membranes with lymphocytes in the intracellular space of the epithelial layer and phagocytosis of myelin figures by lymphocytes were detected. Peculiarities of plasma cells in the interepithelial position are described. The results suggest a hypothesis on the autoimmune nature of the patho- and morphogenesis of chronic atrophic gastritis.