What is rusell bodies?

Russell bodies are abnormal, eosinophilic, immunoglobulin-containing globules that can accumulate within the plasma cells or in the extracellular spaces. They were first described in 1890 by the British pathologist William Russell. Russell bodies are usually seen in chronic inflammatory processes, neoplasms or infections, and their occurrence may be associated with a variety of immunological disorders.

The formation of Russell bodies results from a failure of the normal process of immunoglobulin synthesis and secretion by the plasma cells. This can be due to a variety of factors, including mutations in the immunoglobulin genes, intracellular accumulation of misfolded or abnormal proteins, or excessive production of immunoglobulins.

Russell bodies can be identified by microscopic examination of tissue samples stained with eosin or other stains. They appear as round or oval eosinophilic inclusions within the cytoplasm of plasma cells, or as extracellular deposits in the interstitial spaces.

Although Russell bodies are usually benign, they can sometimes be associated with clinical symptoms, depending on their size and distribution. In rare cases, they can lead to tissue damage, inflammation or obstruction of blood vessels, in the affected organs. The treatment of Russell bodies is usually aimed at the underlying disease or condition that causes their formation.