Dextran

BeschreibungDextrans are glucose polymers produced by bacteria linked in an α-1,6 chain and having an α-1,3 or α-1,4 branch about every fifth residue. The specific positioning of the branching varies by the bacterium producing it. The molecular weights of these chains generally are 40 or 70 kDa (dextran-40 and dextran-70, respectively), and the compounds work via an osmotic gradient similar to the colloids and hypertonic crystalloid solutions. Dextrans have a longer intravascular residence time than albumin, which limits interstitial edema. As with the crystalloids and other colloids, the dextrans have no oxygen-carrying capacity. Furthermore, because they are bacterial products, the dextrans have the potential to be potent antigens and induce anaphylaxis.

VerwendenDextran is a polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules used as an antithrombotic to reduce blood viscosity and as a volume expander in anemia. Studies show that it inhibits the mannose receptor-med iated clearance of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA).