Russell’s body is found in:
**Core Concept**
Russell's body is a type of inclusion body found in erythrocytes (red blood cells) that is characteristic of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This occurs due to the accumulation of denatured hemoglobin, which is a result of oxidative stress.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
G6PD is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage by maintaining a reduced state of glutathione. In G6PD deficiency, oxidative stress leads to the accumulation of denatured hemoglobin, which forms Russell's bodies. This is a result of the inability to reduce glutathione and scavenge reactive oxygen species, leading to hemolysis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because Heinz bodies are a different type of inclusion body found in erythrocytes, typically associated with conditions such as thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis.
**Option B:** Incorrect because Howell-Jolly bodies are small, round inclusions found in erythrocytes, typically associated with asplenia or hyposplenism.
**Option C:** Incorrect because Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells, typically associated with conditions such as microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Russell's bodies are a classic finding in G6PD deficiency and can be visualized using supravital staining techniques such as new methylene blue or crystal violet.
**Correct Answer: D. Russell's bodies**