Anubha Bajaj*

Department of Histopathology, Panjab University/A.B. Diagnostics, India

*Corresponding Author: Anubha Bajaj, Department of Histopathology, Panjab University/A.B. Diagnostics, India.

Received: December 19, 2025; Published: January 01, 2026

Abstract

Amalgamation of lipofuscin pigment is a commonly encountered feature within lymph nodes. Incidentally discovered, lipofuscin configures as a golden brown, finely granular, intracellular pigment. The pigment is preponderantly derived from denatured products of lipids, especially lipid molecules derived from cellular membranes. Ceroid emerges as an acid fast variant of lipofuscin which may be appropriately discerned by auto-fluorescence. Lipofuscin is accumulated within various cells denominating the post mitotic phase and is delineated as aggregates of oxidized protein with cross linkages [1,2].

The pigment is conspicuous and especially associated with disorders demonstrating visceral and organ atrophy [1,2]. Lipofuscin pigment is concordant with diverse inflammatory or neoplastic lesions expounding distinct foci of necrosis. Commonly, chronic cholestatic lesions as primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis may concur with intracellular lipofuscin accrual. Lipofuscin amalgamation within lymph nodes is clinically associated with enlargement of lymph nodes [3,4]. Lipofuscin is commonly amalgamated with lymph nodes draining hepatic parenchyma and portal zones. Besides, diverse lymph node groups may demonstrate aggregation of lipofuscin.

Grossly, the lesion represents with enlarged lymph nodes pervaded with brown pigment [3,4]. Upon microscopy, nodal parenchyma depicts sinus histiocytosis. Follicular hyperplasia appears variable. Macrophages confined to intra-nodal sinuses appear impregnated with granular deposits of brown pigment [4,5]. Ultrastructural examination depicts electron dense, spherical inclusions of pigment confined by a distinct membrane [4,5].

Lymph nodes associated with lipofuscin pigment deposits may be highlighted by stains such as Sudan Black B, Schmorl’s reaction, oil red O, carbol lipofuscin stain, periodic acid Schiff’s stain, Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast stain or lysosomal acid phosphatase and esterase stains. Besides, auto- fluorescence may emphasize the intracellular pigment [8,9]. Stains such as Perls iron stain or melanin stains appear superfluous and non confirmatory in highlighting the pigment [8,9]. Lipofuscin pigment amalgamated within lymph nodes necessitates segregation from intra-nodal deposits of iron or hemosiderosis, melanin pigment or tattoo pigment [9,10]. Although associated with preceding consideration of a non significant intracellular molecule, lipofuscin molecule may occur due to and induce augmented intracellular oxidant stress wherein intracellular proteasomal and lysosomal functions may be impaired [9,10].

References

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11. Image 1 Courtesy: National toxicology programme.
12. Image 2 Courtesy: Wikipedia.

Citation

Citation: Anubha Bajaj. “The Glorious Depreciation- Lipofuscin Lymph Node". Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences 10.2 (2026): 01-04.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Anubha Bajaj. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.