Pernicious anaemia Flashcards
what type of disease in pernicious anaemia?
autoimmune disorder
which vitamin is affected pernicious anaemia?
what happens to this vitamin’s levels?
vitamin B12
low
Define pernicious?
causing harm in a subtle or gradual way
why is diagnosis oft delayed?
because symptoms are subtle
Normal take up of Vit B12?
step by step
- Stomach’s parietal cells makes intrinsic factor
- Intrinsic factor binds to vit B12
- Vitamin B12-intrisnic factor is absorbed at the terminal ileum via a Ca2+ dependent process
- Enterocytes will bind vit B12 to transcobalamin II (a transport protein)
- Now B12 can move through blood.
where is intrinsic factor made?
Stomach
function of intrinsic factor?
bind to vit B12
which cells make intrinsic factor?
where are these cells located?
parietal cells
stomach
B12 is absorbed where?
which mineral is involved in the absorption here?
terminal ileum
Ca2+ (helps absorb vit B12)
vit B12 is bound to which transport protein so it can be carried in the blood?
where does this binding happen?
transcobalamin II
ileum
vitamin B12’s normal functions?
-2
make blood cells
myelinate nerves
in Pernicious anaemia, why does vit B12 absorption decrease?
-2 ways
o Intrinsic factor antibodies bind to intrinsic factor - this blocks vit B12’s binding site
o gastric parietal cell antibodies cause atrophic gastritis – thus intrinsic factor not made – less B12 absorbed
↓Vit B12 will cause what disorders generally speaking?
-2
macrocytic anaemia & neuropathy
which gender is a risk factor?
Females
which blood group is a risk factor?
Blood Group A