Heinz bodies (hemoglobin inclusions) are small, irregular particles of denatured hemoglobin within mature red blood cells. Heinz bodies become visible when smears are stained with specific dyes but not when classical Wright-type stains are used. The presence of Heinz bodies in a sample indicates abnormal hemoglobin structure.
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Heinz bodies are abnormal structures that can form within red blood cells (erythrocytes). They are composed of denatured or precipitated hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. Heinz bodies are associated with certain medical conditions and are an indicator of oxidative damage to hemoglobin. The presence of Heinz bodies is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle when evaluating hemolytic conditions.
Heinz bodies form when hemoglobin molecules become denatured, usually due to exposure to oxidative stress or certain chemicals, such as certain drugs or toxins. When hemoglobin is exposed to these stressors, it can undergo structural changes that cause it to clump together, forming the Heinz bodies.
Heinz bodies can often be seen under a microscope as small, irregularly shaped, and brightly colored inclusions within the red blood cells. They are more easily visualized with special staining techniques.
In response to the presence of Heinz bodies, the spleen and liver may remove the affected red blood cells from circulation because they can be more fragile and less functional. This removal process is part of the body's defense against damaged red blood cells.
Conditions that can lead to the formation of Heinz bodies include:
- G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency: An inherited enzyme deficiency that makes red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage.
- Exposure to certain drugs or toxins, such as sulfonamides and certain dyes.
- Hemoglobinopathies, such as unstable hemoglobin variants.
Identification and evaluation of Heinz bodies are important for diagnosing and understanding the underlying cause of hemolytic anemia (a condition characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells).
Possible Interpretations of Abnormal Values
- Positive: G6PD enzyme deficiency, Heinz cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, homozygous beta-Mediterranean anemia, after splenectomy. Drugs: acetanilide, aminosalicylic acid, analgesics, aniline, antipyretics, chlorates, hydroxylamine, naphthalene, nitrobenzene, phenol derivatives, phenylhydrazine, phenothiazines, pyridine, resorcinol, sulfapyridine, sulfones, tolbutamide, large doses of vitamin K.
- Negative: -
