Russell bodies

[1] Russell bodies are eosinophilic, homogeneous immunoglobulin (Ig)-containing inclusions usually found in cells undergoing excessive synthesis of Ig; the Russell body is characteristic of the distended endoplasmic reticulum.

The excess immunoglobulin builds up and forms intracytoplasmic globules, which is thought to be a result of insufficient protein transport within the cell.

[2] In 1949, Pearse discovered that Russell bodies also contain mucoproteins that are secreted by plasma cells.

Russell bodies are not tissue specific; during research they were induced in rat glioma cells.

[citation needed] Russell bodies tend to be found in places with chronic inflammation.