In the human stomach there are glands that digest food. These include parietal cells. During normal functioning of the glands, a person does not experience unpleasant or painful sensations. For the full functioning of the body requires proper nutrition. If a person often eats junk food, then the glands of the stomach, including parietal cells, suffer.
Digestion in the stomach
The stomach consists of three parts:
- cardiac - located near the esophagus;
- fundal - the main part;
- pyloric - near the duodenum.
Inside is the mucous membrane, which first comes into contact with food coming from the esophagus. In addition, there are muscle and serous membrane. They are responsible for motor and protective functions.
In the mucous membrane is the epithelial layer, in which there are a large number of glands. They secrete a secret that allows you to digest food. Gastric juice is produced continuously, but hormones and the brain affect its amount. Thoughts about food, smell make the glands work more actively. Thanks to this, up to 3 liters of secretion are produced per day.
Types of glands of the stomach
The glands in the stomach have a diverse shape. The number is in the millions. Each gland has its own function. They are of the following types:
- Cardiac glands are responsible for the production of chlorides and bicarbonates.
- Fundals produce gastric juice. There are most of them. They are found throughout the stomach, but the largest number is concentrated in its lower part.
- Parietal cells create hydrochloric acid. In addition, they have to create the Castle factor, which is involved in hematopoiesis. Removal of the part of the stomach in which these cells are located leads to the development of anemia.
What is a parietal cell
A cell in shape resembles a cone or a pyramid. The number in men is higher than in women. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid. For the process to occur, the participation of histamine, gastrin and acetylcholine is required. They act on the cell through specific receptors. The amount of hydrochloric acid is regulated by the nervous system.
Previously, with gastric ulcer, part of the organ was removed for better functioning. But in practice it turned out: if they cut out the part in which the parietal cells were located, then digestion slowed down. The patient had complications after surgery. At the moment, they have refused this treatment method.
Features & Functions
A distinctive feature of parietal cells is their single location outside the mucous cells. They are larger than other epithelial cells. Their appearance is asymmetric, the cytoplasm contains one or two nuclei.
Inside the cells are the tubules responsible for ion transport. From the inside, the channels pass into the external environment of the cell and open the gland of the gland. The villi are located on the surface; microvilli are located inside the tubules. Also a feature of cells is a large number of mitochondria. The main function of parietal cells is to produce ions that contain hydrochloric acid.
Hydrochloric acid is required to destroy pathogenic bacteria, reduce decay of food debris. Thanks to her, the process of digestion is faster, proteins are absorbed more easily.
Factors affecting the functioning of the glands
The following factors affect the proper functioning of the glands of the stomach:
- healthy eating
- emotional state of a person;
- stressful situations;
- chronic diseases of the liver and gall bladder;
- alcohol abuse
- prolonged use of drugs that irritate receptors;
- chronic gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- smoking.
With violations in the work of the gastric glands , chronic diseases occur. Failure to comply with the rules of a healthy lifestyle provokes the risk of degeneration of healthy cells into malignant neoplasms. Cancer of the stomach is not immediately recognized. The fact is that the process begins gradually, and the patient does not consult a doctor for a long time.
The work of the glands is important for the digestion of food, so it is important to prevent the development of diseases of the stomach, undergo regular medical examinations and, if possible, avoid surgery.
Autoimmune gastritis
Sometimes a person develops autoimmune gastritis. A disease in which the body perceives its own cells as enemies and begins to destroy them. In practice, such gastritis is rare and is characterized by the death of the gastric mucosa and destruction of the gastric glands.
As a result of a malfunction in the body, the production of gastric juice is reduced, and problems arise with the digestion of food. In this case, the level of Castle's internal factor decreases and a deficiency of vitamin B12 appears, which leads to the development of anemia.
Autoimmune gastritis usually develops into a chronic form. In this case, the patient has concomitant thyroid diseases. The disease is difficult to diagnose and cannot be completely cured. Patients take medication throughout their lives.
The appearance of antibodies to Castle factor and parietal cells reveals immunoglobulins, which indicate that vitamin B12 has ceased to be absorbed.
Causes and symptoms of autoimmune gastritis
The exact causes of the development of this disease are still unknown. But there are a number of assumptions that explain what can trigger the process of self-destruction in the body:
- Genetic factor. According to statistics, 10% of diseases arose due to hereditary disorders.
- Failure in the immune system. There is an assumption that a disruption in the endocrine system allows the body to be reprogrammed to destroy individual cells.
- Alcohol and smoking can increase the risk of various diseases.
- Rough, poorly chewed food irritates the gastric mucosa and can contribute to the development of autoimmune gastritis.
Symptoms of the disease are not much different from other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. First of all, patients pay attention to:
- pain in the stomach;
- heaviness and discomfort after eating;
- nausea
- violation of the stool;
- burping;
- rumbling in the stomach;
- constant flatulence.
In addition to the main signs, a person can be tormented by symptoms to which he does not attach importance. Low blood pressure, constant fatigue, sweating, weight loss and pallor of the skin are secondary symptoms of the disease. In doctors, the main reason for autoimmune gastritis is the condition that antibodies to parietal cells are elevated.
Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune gastritis
To make a diagnosis, the doctor collects patient data. Anamnesis, current complaints suggest which disease torments a person. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, the following measures are required:
- general and biochemical blood analysis;
- immunological analysis for antibodies to parietal cells;
- the level of secretion of gastric juice;
- FGDS;
- Ultrasound of internal organs;
- determination of the level of vitamin B12.
Based on the examination, the doctor determines the diagnosis. Autoimmune gastritis is not treatable. All drugs are aimed at reducing discomfort and improving the quality of life.
With severe pain, pain medications and antispasmodics are prescribed. In addition, it is necessary to take enzymes to improve the digestion of food. The course of vitamins of group B and folic acid is taken. A diet is prescribed with the exception of products that have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa.