Lipofuscin

Definition

Lipofuscin is a brownish pigment left over from the breakdown and absorption of damaged blood cells.

Lipofuscin is found in heart muscle and smooth muscles. It is also called the aging pigment.

Alternative Names

Wear and tear pigment; Lipochrome

References

Oakes SA. Cell injury, cell death, and adaptations. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 2.

Orchard GE. Pigments and minerals. In: Suvarna SK, Layton C, Bancroft JD, eds. Bancroft's Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 14.

Review Date: 2/2/2023
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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