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autoimmune gastritis
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autoimmune gastritis

pathology
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Quick Summary

Autoimmune gastritis is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining. This attack targets the parietal cells, which are responsible for producing stomach acid and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is crucial for absorbing vitamin B12, a nutrient essential for red blood cell maturation.1

When intrinsic factor is blocked by autoantibodies, or when the parietal cells are destroyed, vitamin B12 absorption is impaired, leading to pernicious anemia. Autoimmune gastritis can also result in achlorhydria, a failure to secrete stomach acid. This condition is a chronic inflammation of the stomach lining that can develop over time.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. digestive system disease - Gastritis
  2. immune system disorder - Pernicious anemia and autoimmune gastritis

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