Blood anticoagulants dextran sulfate

Methods for the depolymerization of dextran to uniform fractions of lower molecular weight have led to the use of two dextran fractions that are suitable for parenteral administration.13,30 In the United States, a dextran fraction of MW 70,000 is used as a blood-volume expander. Clinical dextran is used to restore blood volume in the treatment of patients who have either lost considerable amounts of blood or are in shock. A dextran fraction of MW 40,000 is used to improve the flow in capillaries, to prevent or treat vascular occlusion, and to perfuse organs artifically. B-512(F) dextran is completely metabolized141 in man when fractions are administered parentally. Various dextran fractions have been used to prepare numerous derivatives,29 such as the sulfates, and 0-(2-diethylaminoethyl) (DEAE)-dextran, and complexes with various metals. Dextran sulfates have anticoagulant,340 antilipemic,340 and anti-ulcer341 activity. A soluble, iron-dextran complex342 of MW 5000 is used to alleviate iron-deficiency anemia, and a calcium complex332 alleviates hypocalcemia of cattle. 

Numerous other polysaccharides are known, such as gum arabic and other gums and mucilages, chondroitin sulfate (found in cartilage), the blood anticoagulant heparin (found in the liver and heart), and the dextrans (used as blood plasma substitutes). 

---