Dissociation of Intrinsic Factor from its Antibody: Application to Study of Pernicious Anaemia Gastric Juice Specimens

Abstract

Intrinsic factor antibody may sometimes be concealed in the gastric secretions of pernicious anaemia subjects, being complexed with residual amounts of intrinsic factor.A method is described for dissociating intrinsic factor from its antibody. Antibody to the vitamin-B(12)-binding site of intrinsic factor was identified in 16 (57%) out of 28 samples of pernicious anaemia gastric juice after dissociation but in only 10 before dissociation. There was no clear relationship between the incidence of antibody in the serum and in the gastric juice of these patients.