Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody

Immunology

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Description

The liver antibody screen utilises a composite tissue block of mouse liver, kidney and stomach to check for anti-nuclear antibodies, gastric parietal cell antibodies, anti- mitochondrial antibodies and liver kidney microsomal antibodies. Gastric parietal cell antibodies are found in 90% of patients with pernicious anaemia and are considered an appropriate sceening test [1]. They are considered the end stage of type A chronic gastritis [1]. Intrinsic factor antibodies should be used as a confirmatory test should the GPC be masked by another antibody pattern on immunofluorescence ( for example, anti-mitochondrial antibodies ) [1]. B12 levels are not related to the level of GPC antibodies [1]. GPC antibodies are more common in females and increase with age [1]. GPC antibodies are associated with autoimmune thyroid disease; it is reported that up to 45% of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis have GPC antibodies with the reverse association being equivalent [2]. Patients with pernicious anaemia have a higher prevalence of primary hypothyroidism and the prevalence of pernicious anaemia is increased in patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism [2]. GPC antibodies are associated with other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and Sjogren syndrome [1].

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Indications

Pernicious anaemia and antral gastritis.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum ( Gel 5mL Yellow tube ).
Requests from outside Sheffield: transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

The normal result is NEGATIVE.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Twice weekly

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References

Khan S, et al. Limited value of testing for intrinsic factor antibodies with negative gastric parietal cell antibodies in pernicious anaemia. J Clin Pathol. 2009. 62. 439-441. [Ref 1]
Sinclair D. Clinical and laboratory ascpects of thyroid autoantibodies. Ann Clin Biochem. 2006. 43:173-183. [Ref 2]
Toh BH, Aderuccio F. Pernicious anaemia. Autoimmunity. 2004. 37( 4 ):357-361.

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See Also

Liver Antibodies
Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

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