Which of the following is normal in patients with pernicious anemia (PA)?
a. Trypsin levels
b. Intrinsic factor (IF)
c. Stomach acid
d. Absorption of vitamin B12
ANS: A
Trypsin is normal in patients with PA. The root cause of PA is a deficiency of IF because of autoimmune attack, either of IF itself or of the parietal cells in which it is synthesized. Atrophic gastritis develops; this affects the secretion of H+, which affects gastric (stomach) acidity, important for normal digestive processes.
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Which gas is used to power drills and saws?
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