Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Lewy body
Pronunciation: LOO-ee
Abnormal protein aggregates found in neurons, characteristic of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Full Definition
Lewy bodies are eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies composed primarily of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates. They are pathognomonic features of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. These spherical inclusions have a dense core surrounded by a pale halo and are most commonly found in substantia nigra neurons, though they can occur throughout the nervous system.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Friedrich Lewy; capitalize the 'L' in Lewy but not 'body'.
In Context
- "Numerous Lewy bodies were identified in the substantia nigra, confirming the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease." — Autopsy report
- "The presence of cortical Lewy bodies distinguishes dementia with Lewy bodies from Alzheimer's disease." — Diagnostic pathology report
Also known as
Lewy inclusion
synuclein inclusion
Don't confuse with
Pick body
Hirano body