Stomach Path Flashcards
What cells is the body of the stomach composed of?
foveolar cells that secrete protective mucus
glands w/ parietal cells (secrete HCl) and chief cells (secrete pepsin)
What cells is the antrum of the stomach composed of?
G cells producing gastrin - promotes secretion of HCl and pepsin
What are internal and external injurious agents to the stomach?
internal - pepsin, HCl, bile
external - drugs, alcohol, bacteria
What are the defensive forces of the stomach?
mucus, bicarb, cell regeneration, blood flow, prostaglandins
What does the tern “gastritis” refer to?
any inflammation, ulceration/erosion, irritation
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
nausea, abdominal bloating, heartburn, hiccups, epigastric pain, bleeding with possible hematemesis and melena, coffee ground emesis
What are the histologic features of chronic gastritis?
lymphocytes and plasma cells in lamina propria
with or without ACTIVITY (inflammation - PMNs)
can destroy parietal cells and glands –> metaplasia
What features are present with chronic gastritis due to H. Pylori?
both active and chronic gastritis
T and B lymphocytes, then infiltration of lamina propria and epithelium by neutrophils
What feature is H. pylori gastritis known for producing?
lymphoid follicles and germinal centers
What is different about the features of autoimmune gastritis as opposed to that caused by H. pylori?
NO active inflammatory component with neutrophils
How does H. pylori colonize the stomach?
uses flagella to burrow into mucus and reach niche close to epithelial layer
senses acidic pH of lumen by chemotaxis and swims away
adhesins help it adhere to epithelial cells
How does H. pylori damage the stomach?
produce urease that breaks down urea to carbon dioxide and ammonia –> ammonium that neutralizes gastric acid, allowing survival
ammonia and other products are toxic to epithelial cells
How can H. pylori be detected?
CLO test - if it turns red indicates pH change - means H. pylori
What antibodies are present in autoimmune chronic gastritis?
anti-intrinsic factor
anti parietal cell
What are the two patterns of H. pylori associated chronic gastritis?
diffuse antral - chronic inflammation w activity - in individuals w peptic ulcers
multifocal atrophic - gastric atrophy and partial replacement by intestinal epithelium - individuals who dev gastric carcinoma and ulcers
What is the treatment for H. pylori?
antibiotics plus acid suppressants
PPIs
What are possible complications of H. pylori?
gastric or duodenal ulcers
increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma (MALT)
What are the consequences of AIG (autoimmune gastritis)?
destruction of parietal cells and eventual replacement of normal gastric mucosa by intestinal metaplasia and fibrosis
decreased intrinsic factor –> dec B12 –> pernicious anemia
hyperplasia of G cells –> hypergastrinemia - trophic effect on ECL cells that can transform into carcinoid tumors
inc risk of adenocarcinoma
What is seen microscopically in acute gastritis?
superficial neutrophilic infiltrates (above BM), mucosal edema, reactive and regenerative changes of surface epithelium, maybe erosions
What is acute erosive gastritis?
acute gastritis with necrosis of epithelial cells
What is the pathogenesis of acute gastritis due to?
compromise of mucosal defenses
increased acid production/decreased bicarb production
What agents are associated frequently with acute gastritis?
heavy NSAID use, excessive alcohol, smoking, severe physical stress, chemo/radiation, bile reflux from duodenum, iron pills
What are the clinical features of acute gastritis?
mild epigastric discomfort to hematemesis, melena and potentially fatal blood loss
What is an ulcer?
breach of gastric mucosa that extends through muscularis mucosa into submucosa or beyond
