asbestos body


asbestos body

A yellow-brown structure seen by light microscopy in patients with asbestosis which consists of an asbestos fibre encased in a melange of iron and calcium salts and protein.
Pathogenesis Asbestos bodies result from a repeating cycle of “defence” by macrophages, which engulf asbestos fibres in an attempt to phagocytose, which fails, given the fibres’ insoluble nature.

asbestos body

A beaded, dumbbell-shaped body formed when a macrophage engulfs asbestos fibers.

asbestos body

A beaded, dumbbell-shaped body formed when a macrophage engulfs asbestos fibers.See also: body