Glucose polymer
Dextran targets the circulatory system, functioning as a plasma volume expander through its colloidal osmotic properties. It has an inhibitory effect on thrombocyte aggregation and coagulation factors, contributing to its anticoagulant activity. Dextran also inhibits the mannose receptor-mediated clearance of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Its high molecular weight and osmotic properties allow it to increase electronegativity and reduce erythrocyte aggregation and platelet adhesiveness.

Dextran (MW 40000) is a biochemical reagent that can be utilized in organic compounds or biomaterials for research in the life sciences.

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Dextran demonstrates in vitro activity as an anticoagulant by reducing erythrocyte aggregation and platelet adhesiveness. It inhibits thrombocyte aggregation and coagulation factors. Dextran solutions of various molecular weights (e.g., 40,000; 70,000; 250,000) are used in biological experiments for different applications, including isolation of aggregated platelets, leukocytes, and lymphocytes by centrifugation. The compound's osmotic properties make it effective as a plasma volume expander in vitro.

Dextran can be used in animal modeling to construct a mouse paw edema model.

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Dextran exhibits in vivo activity as a plasma volume expander, effectively restoring blood volume in patients undergoing surgery or suffering from shock. It has an inhibitory effect on thrombocyte aggregation and coagulation factors, contributing to its anticoagulant effects in vivo. Dextran 40 is commonly used as a plasma volume expander in clinical and research settings. The compound is also used as an antithrombotic to reduce blood viscosity.

In vitro receptor binding assays for dextran are not typically performed, as the compound functions primarily through its physicochemical properties rather than specific receptor interactions. However, its ability to inhibit mannose receptor-mediated clearance of t-PA can be assessed using cell-based assays. The compound's effects on platelet aggregation and coagulation factors can be evaluated using standard coagulation assays.

In vitro cellular assays for dextran involve evaluating its effects on platelet aggregation and coagulation factors using platelet-rich plasma or whole blood. The compound's ability to reduce erythrocyte aggregation can be assessed using microscopy or aggregation assays. Dextran solutions of various molecular weights are used to isolate aggregated platelets, leukocytes, and lymphocytes by centrifugation in biological experiments.

In vivo animal experiments for dextran typically involve administering the compound to animal models via intravenous infusion to evaluate its plasma volume-expanding effects. Blood samples are collected to measure changes in blood volume, hematocrit, and coagulation parameters. The compound's antithrombotic effects can be assessed in models of thrombosis or ischemia-reperfusion injury. These studies help characterize dextran's efficacy and safety as a plasma volume expander.

Absorption, Distribution, and Excretion
Absorption
The oral bioavailability of dextran is extremely low and decreases with increasing glycan length. Therefore, the bioavailability of dextran is inversely proportional to glycan length.
Excretion Routes
The excretion of dextran depends on glycan length, route of administration, and molecular weight. It has been reported that dextran 1, when administered parenterally, is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, accounting for approximately 80% of the administered dose. The molecular weight threshold for unrestricted glomerular filtration rate is recorded to be approximately 15 kDa; if the molecular weight of dextran exceeds 50 kDa, it is hardly excreted by the kidneys.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of dextran is reported to indicate its distribution throughout the blood volume. This volume of distribution is approximately 120 ml. The organ with the highest accumulation of dextran is the liver.

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Metabolism/Metabolites
Long-chain dextran (e.g., dextran 60) is highly metabolized in the liver, ultimately producing low-molecular-weight products that are excreted.

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Biological Half-Life
Elimination half-life depends on the length of the glycan chain. The higher the molecular weight of the dextran, the longer the elimination half-life. The half-life of dextran 1 is 1.9 hours, while that of dextran 60 is as long as 42 hours.

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Dextran exhibits pharmacokinetic properties consistent with its use as a plasma volume expander. Following intravenous administration, dextran distributes in the vascular space and exerts colloidal osmotic pressure. The compound is gradually eliminated from the circulation, with elimination half-life depending on molecular weight. Dextrans with higher molecular weights remain in the circulation longer than those with lower molecular weights. The compound is metabolized by dextranase enzymes and excreted primarily via renal filtration.

Protein binding
Dextran is highly retained in the vascular system by binding to plasma proteins, including albumin.

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Dextran is generally well-tolerated when used as a plasma volume expander, but can cause adverse effects including allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and bleeding complications due to its anticoagulant effects. Dextran-induced anaphylactic reactions are rare but can be severe. The compound should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or those at risk for volume overload. Standard safety precautions should be followed when handling dextran in research settings.

[1]. Infusion rate and plasma volume expansion of dextran and albumin in the septic guinea pig. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2014 Jan;58(1):44-51.

Dextran is a polysaccharide that differs from other polysaccharides in that its glucose units are linked by 1:6 glycosidic bonds. Short branches frequently appear along the glucose backbone, and these branches may be linked by 1:3 and 1:4 glycosidic bonds. A single backbone can consist of approximately 200,000 glucose units. Many bacteria, such as Leuconostoc, are capable of synthesizing dextran from sucrose, and this activity has been used for commercial dextran production. Dextran 40 is a sterile, pyrogen-free, low molecular weight dextran (average molecular weight 40,000), soluble in 5% glucose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection. It is administered via intravenous infusion. Dextran 75 is a complex branched dextran with an average molecular weight of 75,000 Daltons. It is produced by certain bacteria whose glucose molecules are linked by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds, and whose branches are linked by α-1,3 glycosidic bonds. When labeled with technetium-99m, dextran 75 can be administered intravenously as an imaging agent for the detection and diagnosis of intravascular diseases, such as pericardial effusion or ventricular aneurysm. Dextran is a group of glucose polymers produced by certain bacteria. In treatment, dextran is used as a plasma volume expander and anticoagulant. They are also commonly used in biological experiments and industrial applications, with a wide range of uses. Drug Indications: Dextran can be used during surgery to restore blood volume if there is insufficient blood volume due to trauma or dehydration. It can also be used for post-bleeding transfusions if blood loss is less than 15% of blood volume, or if compatibility testing cannot be performed or pathogen testing of the blood sample is required. Dextran is also used to prevent severe postoperative venous thrombosis. Dextran can also be used in ophthalmology as a solution or ointment to temporarily relieve dry eye or mild eye irritation. Pharmacodynamics: Dextran has been reported to affect the hemostatic system, particularly in prolonging bleeding time. In the same study, dextran was reported to reduce embolus formation, decrease platelet adhesion, and produce a blood-thinning effect. These effects are proportional to the molecular weight of dextran.

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Mechanism of Action: In preclinical studies, its mechanism of action is thought to involve blocking the uptake of tissue plasminogen activator by mannose-binding receptors. This process produces a direct effect by enhancing endogenous fibrinolysis.

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Uses
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
This polysaccharide is produced by bacteria growing on sucrose substrates and consists of α-D-glucopyranose units with different branching and chain lengths; used in soft-crust candies, barley malt substitutes, and plasma volume expanders; mixed ethers and esters can be used in varnishes; [Merck Index] used as a food formulation and processing aid, stabilizer or thickener, surface treatment agent, and texture improver; [FDA]

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Dextran (Dextran 40) (CAS#: 9004-54-0) is a glucose polymer used as a plasma volume expander and anticoagulant. It has an inhibitory effect on thrombocyte aggregation and coagulation factors. Dextran solutions of various molecular weights (e.g., 40,000; 70,000; 250,000) are used in clinical and research applications. The compound is used as a barley malt substitute and as a plasma volume expander.

C18H32O16

40000.00

9004-54-0

4125253

White to off-white solid powder

1.8±0.1 g/cm3

952.8±65.0 °C at 760 mmHg

-114.22ºC

327.7±27.8 °C

0.0±0.6 mmHg at 25°C

1.652

-4.26

0

FZWBNHMXJMCXLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C18H32O16/c19-1-5(21)9(23)10(24)6(22)3-31-17-16(30)14(28)12(26)8(34-17)4-32-18-15(29)13(27)11(25)7(2-20)33-18/h1,5-18,20-30H,2-4H2

2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy-6-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-[[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxyhexanal

DEXTRAN; 9004-54-0; Dextran 40; 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy-6-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-[[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxyhexanal; Macrodex; Hexopyranosyl-(1->6)hexopyranosyl-(1->6)hexose; Dextran 70; 6-O-(6-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-D-glucose;

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

H2O : ~100 mg/mL (~1.43 mM)
DMSO : ~100 mg/mL (~1.43 mM)

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)