Hela cell

Heinz body

A Heinz body is an inclusion within a red blood cell that is visible when stained with certain dyes, such as New Methylene Blue. These inclusions are formed by the denaturation of hemoglobin and are typically associated with certain diseases and conditions, including G6PD deficiency, thalassemia, and anemia.

Formation

Heinz bodies form when the hemoglobin within a red blood cell denatures, typically as a result of oxidative stress. This denatured hemoglobin then precipitates, forming an inclusion within the cell. The presence of Heinz bodies can lead to the premature destruction of the red blood cell, a process known as hemolysis.

Detection

Heinz bodies can be detected using a special staining technique with New Methylene Blue. This stain causes the Heinz bodies to appear as dark blue inclusions within the red blood cells. Other methods of detection include the use of a supravital stain, which allows for the visualization of the Heinz bodies while the cells are still alive.

Clinical significance

The presence of Heinz bodies is often indicative of a disease or condition that causes oxidative stress to the red blood cells. These include G6PD deficiency, a genetic disorder that leads to a lack of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and thalassemia, a group of genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to produce hemoglobin. Heinz bodies are also commonly found in cases of anemia, particularly Heinz body anemia, a specific type of anemia characterized by the presence of Heinz bodies in the red blood cells.

See also

• Red blood cell
• Hemoglobin
• G6PD deficiency
• Thalassemia
• Anemia