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Cell-mediated immunity to intrinsic factor in autoimmune disorders
British Medical Journal
|November 30, 1974
Summary
Cell-mediated immunity to gastric intrinsic factor is common in pernicious anemia (86%) and present in other conditions like hyperthyroidism and atrophic gastritis. This immune response may indicate impaired gastric function, particularly in hypogammaglobulinaemia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease affecting the stomach.
- Gastric intrinsic factor is crucial for vitamin B12 absorption.
- Cell-mediated immunity plays a role in various autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of cell-mediated immunity to gastric intrinsic factor in patients with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
- To explore the association between this immune response and gastric function.
Main Methods:
- Assessing cell-mediated immunity to gastric intrinsic factor using immunological assays.
- Evaluating gastric function in patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia and positive immune response.
Main Results:
- 86% of pernicious anemia patients showed cell-mediated immunity to intrinsic factor.
- Immunity was also detected in 13% of hyperthyroidism patients and 21% of atrophic gastritis patients.
- Four out of nine (46%) hypogammaglobulinaemia patients had this immunity, with impaired gastric function.
Conclusions:
- Cell-mediated immunity to gastric intrinsic factor is a significant finding in pernicious anemia.
- This immune response is also observed in other gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders.
- The presence of cell-mediated immunity to intrinsic factor may correlate with impaired gastric function.