Characteristics of Howell-Jolly Bodies

More on Howell-Jolly Bodies

  • Under normal conditions, Howell-Jolly bodies are thought to be remnants of nuclear fragments due to incomplete expulsion of the nucleus. In pathological conditions, they are aggregates of chromosomes which have separated from the mitotic spindle during abnormal mitosis.
  • Single or multiple Howell-Jolly bodies may be found in a red cell. A single HJ body in a red cell may be seen in megaloblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia such as sickle cell anemia and after splenectomy.
  • Megaloblastic anemia or abnormal erythropoiesis is usually present when multiple Howell-Jolly bodies are observed in a single cell.

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