Deficiency of the ‘ Intrinsic factor of Castle ‘ causes-
**Core Concept**
The intrinsic factor of Castle is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It plays a crucial role in the absorption of vitamin B12 by binding to it in the stomach lumen and facilitating its transport across the intestinal epithelium.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12. The intrinsic factor of Castle is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. Without it, the body is unable to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency. This deficiency results in the accumulation of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine in the blood, which in turn leads to the production of large, immature red blood cells. The lack of intrinsic factor is often due to autoimmune gastritis, where the immune system attacks the parietal cells responsible for producing the intrinsic factor.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Megaloblastic anemia is a broader category of anemia that includes pernicious anemia, but it is not the specific type of anemia caused by a deficiency of the intrinsic factor of Castle.
**Option C:** Cooley's anemia is another name for beta-thalassemia major, a genetic disorder that affects the production of the beta-globin chains of hemoglobin.
**Option D:** Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce blood cells, but it is not related to a deficiency of the intrinsic factor of Castle.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease, and patients with this condition often have other autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes.
**β Correct Answer: B. Pernicious anemia**