Vascular occulsion seen in sickle cell disease may be a result of cellular interactions. Young sickle cells (reticulocytes that contain HbSS) tend to be more "sticky" and adhere to endothelium. Abnormally present receptors on these cells include CD36, which allows platelets to form a bridge between sickle RBCs and endothelial cells in post-capillary venules. Adding to this occlusive process are leukocytes that respond to tissue damage and inflammation in these vessels.
