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An asteroid body (pl. asteroid bodies), is a histopathologic finding seen in granulomatous diseases, such as sarcoidosis and foreign body giant cell reactions.[1] Traditionally, they have been thought to represent cytoskeletal elements and consist primarily of vimentin [2] However, evidence from ultrastructural examination suggests otherwise; it is proposed that asteroid bodies are made up of complex lipids that are arranged in bilayer membranes.[3] They were once thought to be related to centrioles,[4] an organelle involved in cell division in eukaryotes. See also Additional images <gallery> Image:Asteroid body intermed mag.jpg|Micrograph of asteroid bodies in pulmonary sarcoidosis. H&E stain. Image:Asteroid body very high mag.jpg|Micrograph of asteroid bodies in pulmonary sarcoidosis. H&E stain. Image:Asteroid Body in Sarcoidosis.jpg|Asteroid body in sarcoidosis. </gallery> References
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