The Use of Dextran Sulphate as a Blood Anticoagulant in Biological Research

Abstract

Several well-known anticoagulants are in use for blood sample tubes, each having some special application, but there is little doubt that the naturally occurring anticoagulant, heparin, would find wider application were it not so difficult to prepare and consequently expensive. Chemically prepared sulphuric esters of polysaccharides are known to have anticoagulant action. One of these, dextran sulphate, has recently been prepared (Ricketts, 1952) in a form suitable for therapeutic use (Walton, 1951 In the field of haematology the requirements of an anticoagulant are somewhat more critical. It was quickly established that there was no effect on the haematocrit determination, but there appears to be a slight though probably negligible effect on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Walton (1951) reports that the ordinary haematological determinations, haemoglobin, red cell and white cell counts, are not interfered with.In the field of physiological research there appears to be scope for an anticoagulant of the heparin type in experiments involving the perfusion of tissue with blood. Since it is not prepared from tissue, dextran sulphate is not contaminated with pharmacologically active substances, e.g., histamine. No doubt other specialized applications will suggest themselves to the research workers concerned. Where a sodium salt is unsuitable it is a comparatively simple matter to exchange the sodium for hydrogen by passage through a column of ion exchange resin. The acid solution of dextran sulphate may then be neutralized with any selected base.

Nanocomplex System of Bupivacaine with Dextran Sulfate for Parenteral Prolonged Delivery

“…Dextran derivatives, including DS, have been reported to be useful in the treatment of hemorrhages, burns, and surgery, with antiviral, anticoagulant, and adjuvant properties. [28][29][30][31] It also improves blood flow and prevents erythrocyte aggregation, lowering the risk of thrombosis and postoperative pulmonary emboli. 32 CMC is polysaccharide with excellent bioadhesive properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility.…”

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):dextran sulfate (PEDOT:DS) – A highly processable conductive organic biopolymer

“…Dextran sulfate was used historically in medicine as an anticoagulant [18], but has found other uses, such as an antiviral agent shown to inhibit binding of HIV-1 to CD+ T-lympohocytes [19]. Furthermore, studies with PPy:DS composite polymers have demonstrated the material supports the adhesion of PC12 [20] and skeletal muscle [9] myoblasts.…”

Amylase-Sensitive Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Dextran Sulfate and Doxorubicin with Anticoagulant Activity

“…The anticoagulant effect of DS has been described for a long time [33], but has not been used in antitumor therapy. However, this effect might be useful in intracavitary chemotherapy of serous cavity tumors.…”