Observations on Vitamin B12 Absorption in Primary Pernicious Anemia during Administration of Adrenocortical Steroids

Abstract

IT has been adequately demonstrated that the basic defect in pernicious anemia is failure of the mucosal cells in the fundal portion of the stomach to secrete intrinsic-factor substance. This factor is necessary for normal absorption of vitamin B₁₂ from the small intestine. A few reports in the literature have shown suboptimal reticulocyte responses in patients with pernicious anemia in relapse receiving ACTH and cortisone.^{1 2 3 4} We have recently studied the effect of adrenocortical-steroid administration on the absorption of radioactive vitamin B₁₂ in classic primary pernicious anemia utilizing the Schilling test, which measures the absorption of orally administered radioactive . . .