leptocyte


lep·to·cyte

(lep'tō-sīt), A target or Mexican hat cell, that is, an unusually thin or flattened red blood cell with a central rounded area of pigmented material, a middle clear zone that contains no pigment, and an outer pigmented rim at the edge of the cell. Leptocytes are thought to be erythrocytes in which the cellular envelope or membrane is unusually large in proportion to its contents. [lepto- + G. kytos, cell]

leptocyte

leptos, Greek, thin A wafer-thin RBC with marginated Hb seen in thalassemia and obstructive liver disease, in iron-deficiency anemia, and in chronic inflammation.

tar·get cell

(tahr'gĕt sel) 1. An erythrocyte in target cell anemia, with a dark center surrounded by a light band that again is encircled by a darker ring, thus resembling a target used in practice with firearms or archery; such cells also appear after splenectomy. 2. A cell lysed by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, as in graft rejection.
Synonym(s): codocyte, leptocyte, Mexican hat cell.

tar·get cell

(tahr'gĕt sel) An erythrocyte in target cell anemia, with a dark center surrounded by a light band that again is encircled by a darker ring, thus resembling a target used in practice with firearms or archery; such cells also appear after splenectomy.
Synonym(s): leptocyte, Mexican hat cell.