The tests for parietal cell and/or intrinsic factor antibodies may be used along with several other tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood smear, to help diagnose pernicious anemia.
What are Antiparietal Cell Antibody?
Parietal cell antibodies are autoantibodies, proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target a type of specialized cells that line the stomach wall.
What does this biomarker indicate?
The test for this biomarker detects these antibodies in the blood to help diagnose pernicious anemia.
What is Pernicious anemia?
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition that can occur when the body's immune system targets its own tissues and develops antibodies directed against the parietal cells and/or intrinsic factor.
What are parietal cells specialized in?
Parietal cells are specialized cells in the stomach that make acid to help in food digestion and also make intrinsic factor.
What is intrinsic factor?
Intrinsic factor is required for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. During digestion, stomach acids produced by parietal cells release vitamin B12 from food, which binds to intrinsic factor to form a complex. The formation of this complex allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the small intestine. Among having functional roles in the brain and nervous system, vitamin B12 is important in the production of red blood cells (RBCs).
What is autoimmune atrophic gastritis?
When the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues and develops antibodies directed against parietal cells and/or intrinsic factor, it can cause inflammation and progressively damage the parietal cells. This autoimmune condition, called autoimmune atrophic gastritis, can disrupt the production or function of intrinsic factor.
Vitamin B12 deficiency:
Without sufficient intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 goes largely unabsorbed, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of fewer but larger red blood cells (macrocytes). Vitamin B12 deficiency can also result in nerve-related signs and symptoms (neuropathy), such as numbness and tingling that start first in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, slow reflexes, loss of balance and unsteady walking. Other disorders can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and result in megaloblastic anemia. When it is due to a lack of intrinsic factor, it is called pernicious anemia. Besides anemia, a decrease in the numbers of neutrophils and platelets (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) may also occur.
What does it mean if your Antiparietal Cell Antibody result is too high?
What is an Antiparietal Cell Antibody?
Antiparietal cell antibodies (APCAs) are autoantibodies produced by your immune system that mistakenly attack parietal cells—specialized cells in your stomach lining that help produce stomach acid and intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for absorbing vitamin B12.
This test checks for the presence of APCAs in your blood to help diagnose autoimmune causes of digestive issues, especially related to vitamin B12 deficiency.
What does an elevated APCA result mean?
An elevated APCA level means your immune system is targeting and damaging the stomach’s parietal cells. This is commonly associated with:
1. Autoimmune Gastritis (Chronic Atrophic Gastritis)
A condition where immune-driven inflammation damages the stomach lining over time, leading to:
-
Reduced stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
-
Loss of intrinsic factor production
-
Impaired vitamin B12 absorption
2. Pernicious Anemia
This is a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, usually due to loss of intrinsic factor. It leads to symptoms such as:
-
Fatigue
-
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
-
Memory problems
-
Pale skin or glossitis (inflamed tongue)
APCA is positive in up to 90% of people with pernicious anemia.
Other possible associations:
-
Thyroid autoimmune disease (e.g., Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease)
-
Type 1 diabetes
-
Other autoimmune conditions like vitiligo or Addison’s disease
What are the next steps if your APCA is elevated?
-
Vitamin B12 Testing
Your doctor will likely check your serum B12, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine levels to assess for early deficiency. -
Intrinsic Factor Antibody Test
Often ordered alongside APCA to confirm pernicious anemia. -
Stomach Function Tests
Your doctor may evaluate stomach acid production or refer you to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. -
Treatment
If B12 deficiency is confirmed, you may need B12 supplementation, usually via injections or high-dose oral tablets. -
Monitoring for complications
Long-term autoimmune gastritis can increase the risk for gastric polyps or even stomach cancer, so regular follow-up may be advised.
Bottom Line
An elevated Antiparietal Cell Antibody result points to an autoimmune response against the stomach lining, most commonly linked to autoimmune gastritis and pernicious anemia. Early diagnosis is important because untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious neurological and blood-related complications. If your APCA level is high, talk to your doctor about follow-up testing and treatment to protect your digestive and overall health.
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