Haemosiderin
Haemosiderin (pronounced: hee-mo-si-de-rin) is a form of iron storage complex found in the body. It is an intracellular material produced by the digestion of hemoglobin by macrophages and is found in many tissues during instances of hemorrhage or conditions with iron overload, such as hemochromatosis.
Etymology
The term 'Haemosiderin' is derived from the Greek words 'haima' meaning 'blood' and 'sideros' meaning 'iron'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the iron-containing granules found in tissues during instances of hemorrhage.
Structure and Function
Haemosiderin is a yellow-brown pigment that contains about 37% iron by weight. It is less readily available for cellular processes than ferritin, the other major form of stored iron, but serves as a reserve in case of iron deficiency. Haemosiderin is stored in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Clinical Significance
Excessive accumulation of haemosiderin, known as haemosiderosis, can occur in certain conditions such as hemochromatosis, repeated blood transfusions, or certain types of anemia. This can lead to iron overload, which can damage organs such as the heart and liver. Haemosiderin can be detected in tissues using Prussian blue staining.
Related Terms
- Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells.
- Hemochromatosis: A disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet.
- Haemosiderosis: A form of iron overload disorder characterized by the accumulation of haemosiderin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Haemosiderin
- Wikipedia's article - Haemosiderin
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