A degmacyte (a.k.a. "bite cell") is an abnormally shaped red blood cell with one or more semicircular portions removed from the cell margin. These "bites" result from the removal of denatured hemoglobin by macrophages in the spleen. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, in which uncontrolled oxidative stress causes hemoglobin to denature and form Heinz bodies, is a common disorder that leads to the formation of bite cells. Bite cells can contain more than one "bite."
Contents
The "bites" in degmacytes are smaller than the missing red blood cell fragments seen in schistocytes.
Degmacytes usually appear smaller than a normal red blood cell due to the bites. The bites are usually shaped like a semi-circule, but may also be irregular.
Blister cell
Blister cells are the precursor of bite cells. In patients with G6PD deficiency, blister cells appear as red blood cells containing a peripherally located vacuole.
Causes
Bite cells are primarily caused by G6PD deficiency and unstable hemoglobins probably from red-cell enzymopathies involving the pentose phosphate shunt. People receiving large quantities of aromatic drugs or metabolites are more prone to have degmacytes.