What does GPC mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

A gastric parietal cell is a type of epithelial cell found in the stomach mucosa and plays an important role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the stomach. Gastric parietal cells are also known as oxyntic cells or fundic gland cells.

The main function of a gastric parietal cell is to secrete hydrochloric acid, which helps to break down food and keep pathogens from entering the body through the gut. It also produces intrinsic factor, which aids in absorption of vitamin B12 from food.

Gastric parietal cells are located in the glands within the mucosal tissue that lines the inner wall of our stomachs. These cells make up approximately 20% of all epithelial cells present in this tissue layer.

Gastric parietal cells play an important role in maintaining acid-base balance by secreting hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen via specialized proteins such as H+/K+ ATPase pumps (also known as proton pumps). This causes a decrease in pH in surrounding fluid, leading to an increase in bicarbonate secretion which helps neutralize acidic substances present due to digestion of food.

Yes, several medical conditions have been linked with changes or abnormalities to gastric parietal cells or their functions including pernicious anemia, tumor necrosis factor alpha induced apoptosis and Helicobacter pylori infection related damage resulting from hyperplasia or atrophy.