Splenic macrophages in Gaucher’s disease differ from those in ceroid histocytosis by staining positive for –
**Core Concept**
Gaucher's disease and ceroid histiocytosis are two distinct lysosomal storage disorders characterized by the accumulation of specific lipids within cells. Splenic macrophages are a key site of lipid accumulation in these diseases, leading to their distinctive histopathological features.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In Gaucher's disease, splenic macrophages contain large amounts of glucocerebroside, a type of sphingolipid. This accumulation leads to the formation of characteristic Gaucher cells, which are lipid-laden macrophages with a distinct morphology. In contrast, ceroid histiocytosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipofuscin, a type of waste material that accumulates within cells over time. The presence of glucocerebroside in Gaucher cells allows them to stain positive for Sudan black B, a histological stain that detects lipids. This is in contrast to ceroid histiocytosis, where the accumulated material is not lipid-based and therefore does not stain with Sudan black B.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not mentioned in the context of Gaucher's disease or ceroid histiocytosis, and therefore is not relevant to the question.
* **Option B:** Ceroid histiocytosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipofuscin, which does not stain with Sudan black B. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
* **Option C:** This option is not relevant to the question, and does not describe a characteristic feature of either Gaucher's disease or ceroid histiocytosis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When differentiating between Gaucher's disease and ceroid histiocytosis, it is essential to recognize the distinctive histopathological features of each condition. Gaucher cells are characterized by their large size, foamy appearance, and the presence of glucocerebroside, which stains positive with Sudan black B. In contrast, ceroid histiocytosis is characterized by the presence of lipofuscin, which does not stain with Sudan black B.
**Correct Answer:** C.