Parietal Cell Antibody Definition
The stomach produces many substances needed for the digestive process. Among these substances are parietal cells essential for the production of hydrochloric acid and to aid the body's ability to accept vitamin B12. If the body produces antibodies that destroy parietal cells, there may be consequences to your health. A simple test can determine the presence of antibodies that destroy parietal cells.
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Parietal cells
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A parietal cell, also called an acid cell and an oxyntic cell, secretes hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid kills bacteria in the intestines and stomach. Mucus on the stomach lining protects against the corrosive, but necessary acid.
Parietal cells in the mucosa of the stomach and intestines also release intrinsic factor, a protein that lets the body absorb vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is needed to produce red blood cells and nerve tissue.
Antibodies
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An antibody is a protein made by the white blood cells to combat foreign substances, antigens. Some antibodies make it easier for the white blood cells to destroy antigens, others destroy antigens directly.
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Anti-parietal Cell Antibodies
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A simple test can detect the presence of antibodies that attack and destroy parietal cells. These antibodies are sometimes called APCA, antiparietal cell antibodies. The name of the test is the same: Antiparietal Cell Antibodies.
To test for antibodies that destroy parietal cells, a sample of blood is taken from the arm or back of the hand. The blood is placed in a sample from the mouse kidney and stomach that contain parietal cells. If the blood sample contains antiparietal cell antibodies, the antibodies will react with the mouse parietal cells.
Meaning of a Positive Result
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Blood that contains parietal cell antibodies may indicate a number of diseases including diabetes, gastric ulcer; atrophic gastritis (chronic inflammation of stomach mucosa), thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia, also called Addison's anemia, Addisonian anemia and Biermer's anemia.
A chronic deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause permanent damage to the nerves and brain.
Prevalence of APCA
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Fewer than 2 percent of people test positive for anti-parietal cell antibodies; the percentage increases with the age of the subjects. The incidence of APCA increases in women aged 40 year or older and in men and women older than 60. Up to 16 percent of people 60 years or older test positive.
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