Phospholipidosis

Phospholipidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the excess accumulation of phospholipids in tissues. Many cationic amphiphilic drugs, including anti-depressants, antianginal, antimalarial, and cholesterol-lowering agents, are reported to cause drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) in animals and humans. The mechanisms of DIPL involve trapping or selective uptake of DIPL drugs within the lysosomes and acidic vesicles of affected cells. Drug trapping is followed by a gradual accumulation of drug-phospholipid complexes within the internal lysosomal membranes. The increase in undigested materials results in the abnormal accumulation of multi-lammellar bodies (myeloid bodies) in tissues.