Entrapment of RBCs within the mouse sickle clot is mediated by the platelet-free cellular blood compartment. Initial RBC (A) and platelet number (B) after recombining PPP and cellular compartments of AA or SS mouse blood at indicated combinations followed by analysis of RBC number released from the clots into the serum (C; n = 4 per group). (D) Serum RBC content after clot contraction performed with reconstituted whole blood samples from different combinations of PPP, PLT, and PFCF of the blood from AA or SS mice (n = 6 per group). *P < .05, **P < .01, ***P < .001. PFCF, platelet-free cellular fraction; PLT, platelets.