MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lipofuscin

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Lipofuscin

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	References

Illustrations

Lipofuscin

Definition Return to top

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 and is also called the aging pigment.

References Return to top

Jogerst GJ, Wilbur JK. Care of the elderly. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 7.

Update Date: 3/14/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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