674
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
→Introduction
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
'''Heinz bodies''' are inclusion bodies that form within erythrocytes as a result of '''oxidative injury''' to the cell. Named after Robert Heinz, the German physician who first described them, they consist of precipitated haemoglobin and their presence can result in premature phagocytosis of erythrocytes <ref name="Schalm"> Weiss, D and Wardrop, K (eds) (2010) '''Schalm's Veterinary Haematology, Sixth edition''' Wiley-Blackwell p. 134</ref>
'''Heinz bodies''' are inclusion bodies that form within erythrocytes as a result of '''oxidative injury''' to the cell. Named after Robert Heinz, the German physician who first described them, they consist of precipitated haemoglobin and their presence can result in premature phagocytosis of erythrocytes <ref name="Schalm"> Weiss, D and Wardrop, K (eds) (2010) '''Schalm's Veterinary Haematology, Sixth edition''' Wiley-Blackwell p. 134</ref>
Oxidative toxins damage the sulphydryl groups of the globin chains of haemoglobin resulting in the formation of Heinz bodies (HBs). These are seen as unstained projections on the cell membrane with Romanowsky stain, but stain with new methylene blue. Oxidative injury may also result in eccentrocyte formation +/- methaemoglobinaemia. Many substances can cause oxidative damage. Affected cells may be phagocytosed in the spleen or, if severely damaged, may undergo haemolysis within the circulation - there may be both extravascular and intravascular haemolysis. This type of anaemia is regenerative. References: [[/en.wikivet.net/NationWide Laboratories|NationWide Laboratories]]
===Structure of haemoglobin===
===Structure of haemoglobin===
* Lymphoma - an increased percentage of Heinz bodies has been linked with lymphoma in cats. <ref name="Christopher"></ref>
* Lymphoma - an increased percentage of Heinz bodies has been linked with lymphoma in cats. <ref name="Christopher"></ref>
* Propylene glycol, salmon based diets and Renal failure, possibly due to altered metabolism generating oxidative metabolic intermediates.
===Dogs===
===Dogs===
* In dogs HBs are not normally present. Canine Heinz bodies are often small irregular and multiple.
* Onions/garlic - contain oxidative agents which are active in raw, cooked and dehydrated forms. Heinz body anaemias are most common in small breeds, suggesting a dose relationship and in breeds with naturally high levels of potassium, such as Akitas and Shar-Peis. <ref name="Schalm"></ref>
* Onions/garlic - contain oxidative agents which are active in raw, cooked and dehydrated forms. Heinz body anaemias are most common in small breeds, suggesting a dose relationship and in breeds with naturally high levels of potassium, such as Akitas and Shar-Peis. <ref name="Schalm"></ref>
N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) should be given as soon as possible after drug exposure as it is only effective within the first few hours. It is thought to increase glutathione synthesis, which provides more substrate for the detoxification of the reactive metabolite.<ref name="N-acet"> Lauterburg et al (1983) '''Mechanism of Action of N-Acetylcysteine in the Protection Against the Hepatotoxicity of Acetaminophen in Rats In Vivo''' J Clin Invest. April; 71(4): 980–991</ref>
N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) should be given as soon as possible after drug exposure as it is only effective within the first few hours. It is thought to increase glutathione synthesis, which provides more substrate for the detoxification of the reactive metabolite.<ref name="N-acet"> Lauterburg et al (1983) '''Mechanism of Action of N-Acetylcysteine in the Protection Against the Hepatotoxicity of Acetaminophen in Rats In Vivo''' J Clin Invest. April; 71(4): 980–991</ref>
== References ==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Anaemia]]
[[Category:Anaemia]]