GPC antibodies are present
in 95% of patients with pernicious anaemia (an endocrine autoimmune
disorder) and up to 30% in iron
deficient anaemia. GPC antibody is also found in association thyroid
disease. In about 10-15% of older normal individuals its occurrence
increases with ageing. It is recommended that patients harbouring GPC
antibodies should be assessed for antibodies to intrinsic factor (70kDa
glycoprotein), secreted by the parietal cells, that transports vitamin
B12.
This antibody reacts with
H+K+-ATPase in the parietal cells.
Image: Rodents stomach stained with IgG from patient. Note, cell cytoplasm of the
gastric parietal cells in green while the nuclei are unstained black. Caution must be exercised as
heterophile antibody can also
give similar staining distribution.
