Drepanocyte Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

The synonym for a drepanocyte is a sickle cell.

Drepanocytes or sickle cells are formed as a result of the presence of hemoglobin S in the red cell. As the red cell ages, it becomes less flexible or deformable and becomes rigid as it passes through the low oxygen tension atmosphere of the small capillaries in the body. In the absence of oxygen, hemoglobin S polymerizes into rods, causing the sickle cell shape. Sickle cells can be somewhat pointed at the ends, as the cell shown in the center, or more rounded or cigar-shaped, as the one slightly to the left. Several sickle cells are indicated by S, and a target cell or dacrocyte is indicated by T in the smear shown on the right.

Several drepanocytes are also seen in this field of a blood smear from a sickle cell patient. Sickle cells may have either the appearance shown in the photomicrograph at S, with sharp points, or may appear with more blunted ends, as in D. Homozygous sickle cell anemia is the condition in which drepanocytes are seen; however other tests are needed to make the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. Most sickled cells can revert back to the discoid shape when oxygenated. About 10% of sickled cells are unable to revert back to their original shape after repeated sickling episodes.