Gastric secretion and haematological findings in relation to mucosal atrophy after partial gastrectomy

Twenty-one patients (4 females and 17 males) were re-examined 20 years after partial gastrectomy for benign peptic ulcer. Different stages of morphological change in the gastric stump mucosa were compared with haematological parameters as well as with gastric acid and IF secretions. Biopsy specimens were taken by the direct vision technique. Haematological values including also serum vitamin B12, folate and Schilling test were determined. Gastric acid and IF secretions were lower in all patients with "selective parietal cell atrophy" in the gastric mucosa compared with those of other patients. Serum B12 and Schilling test values showed the same tendency. The present study indicates that it is possible to determine the gastric function dependent on parietal cells according to morphological criteria.