Target Cells (Codocytes)
Background Information of Target Cells (Codocytes)
Target Cells (Codocytes) are RBCs that have the appearance of a shooting target with a bullseye. Under light microscope these cells appear to have a dark center (a central, hemoglobinized area) surrounded by a white ring (an area of relative pallor), followed by dark outer (peripheral) second ring containing a band of hemoglobin.
Target cells are more resistant to osmotic lysis, which is mostly seen in dogs. Hypochromic cells in iron deficiency anemias also can show a target appearance.Target cells are abnormally resistant to saline.
Clinical Significance
- Liver disease: Lecithin—cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity may be decreased in obstructive liver disease. Decreased enzymatic activity increases the cholesterol to phospholipid ratio, producing an absolute increase in surface area of the red blood cell membranes.
- Iron deficiency: Decrease in hemoglobin content relative to surface area is probably the reason for the appearance of target cells. This is also seen in Thalassemias, Hemoglobin C disease, etc.
- Alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia (hemoglobinopathy)
- Hemoglobin C Disease
- Post-splenectomy: A major function of the spleen is the clearance of opsonized, deformed, and damaged erythrocytes by splenic macrophages. If splenic macrophage function is abnormal or absent because of splenectomy, altered erythrocytes will not be removed from the circulation efficiently. Therefore, increased numbers of target cells may be observed.
- Autosplenectomy caused by sickle cell anemia
Cellular Description
RBCs that appear as a normal sized RBC but a larger than normal central pallor and a darkly-stained "lump" appearing in the middle synonymous to a bullseye (target)
ayamlaga bangkok
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteMy husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 57.his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 45 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure from ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he had trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which has really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimate life clinic they walked us through the proper steps,am highly recommended this www.ultimatelifeclinic.com to anyone who needs help.