Biological Activity of Low-Molecular Weight Dextran 40. The Effect on Serum Proteins,Plasma Blood Clotting Factors and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Dextran 40 infused in doses from 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg body weight decreases the concentration of proteins in the plasma and reduces the total amount of circulating protein. Dextran 40 in vitro precipitates high-molecular weight proteins participating in blood clotting, such as factor VIII and fibrinogen and, if infused, decreases their plasma levels. Addition in vitro of Dextran 40 to blood with a high ESR reduces the value proportionally to the concentration of dextran in the blood sample: after infusion of Dextran 40 the ESR decreases by a mean value of 19.9% after infusion of 500 ml and by 36.2% after 1000 ml. No bleeding was noted with these infusions.