Autoantibodies to gastrin-producing cells in antral (type B) chronic gastritis.

Autoantibodies that react exclusively with the gastrin-secreting cell of human antrum have been detected by immunofluorescence in eight of 106 patients with histologic evidence of chronic atrophic gastritis, Type B, involving mainly the antrum. These antibodies were of the IgG class and of low titer. However, follow-up studies one to two years later showed persistently positive reactions, despite symptomatic treatment. These data support the concept of an autoimmune variant of chronic "antral" gastritis, Type B.