Pappenheimer bodies and siderocytes

Definition:

Pappenheimer bodies are fine-grained inclusions which are visible with Wright staining. Their iron content (hemosiderin) can be detected with iron staining. Erythrocytes with these types of inclusions are called siderocytes.

Occurrence:
Siderocytes are an indication of an iron utilization disorder. They occur with sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia, after splenectomy and in lead intoxication.