Intrinsic factor antibodies are detectable in 65% of patients with pernicious anemia (megaloblastic anemia due to poor vitamin B12 absorption and associated with chronic gastritis). The antibodies which bind intrinsic factor are of two distinct types:- Type I are blocking antibodies which bind to the molecules vitamin B12-binding site;- Type II are non-blocking and can bind to intrinsic factor whether or not it is complexed with vitamin B12. Blocking antibodies bind to the receptor of cells in the ileum preventing intrinsic factor absorption. Although only some patients with pernicious anemia have intrinsic factor antibodies, all patients with intrinsic factor antibodies have pernicious anemia. Therefore, this test is considered superior for diagnosing pernicious anemia.
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