3610 – Anti-GPC

The Anti-GPC is a quantitative immunoassay for the determination of IgG antibodies against gastric parietal cells of the gastric mucosa (GPC) in human serum. The Anti-GPC is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of pernicious anemia and type A gastritis in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

The essential role played by intrinsic factor (IF) in the absorption of vitamin B12 (extrinsic factor) in the digestive tract, makes it an important serological marker in the diagnosis of diseases associated with deficiency in vitamin B12. This is especially important in chronic atrophic gastritis of type A (5% of all forms), which is characterized by autoimmune processes that lead to the destruction of parietal cells and the production of autoantibodies to both parietal cells and IF. Autoantibodies to the main antigen of gastric parietal cells (membrane H+/K+ ATPase transporting H+ into the stomach) are a sensitive marker for type A gastritis, especially as they are found in 80-90% of such patients. In contrast, autoantibodies to Intrinsic factor are found exclusively in patients with pernicious anemia.

The ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is an immunoassay for the determination of specific antibodies. The strips of the microtiter plate are coated with test-specific antigens. If antibodies are present in the patient´s sample, they bind to the antigens. A secondary antibody conjugated with the enzyme peroxidase detects the generated immune complex. A colorless substrate is converted into the colored product. The signal intensity of the reaction product is proportional to the antibody activity in the sample. After stopping the signal intensity of the reaction product is measured photometrically.

The immunoassay is designed for manual professional in vitro diagnostic use.