[The pathogenesis of hematoxylin bodies--observations on an experimental model in animals (author's transl)]

Paraquat induced lung damage in guinea pigs was used as experimental model producing respiratory distress syndrom. Lung specimens investigated in early stages after this injury showed hyaline membranes combined with hematoxylin bodies. The latter result from epithelial necrosis and local deficit of lysosomal enzymes with reduced cell degradation. Hematoxylin bodies consist of nuclear debris forming spherical bodies by their high surface tension. Their structure is the same as in human newborns where sometimes basophilic bodies are to be recognized in the beginning of pulmonary hyaline membranes.