data file

Dextran

Dextran Sulphate 10
sodium salt
Dextran Sulphate 10 sodium salt is a low molecular weight
derivative of Dextran. Its high purity and reproducible
quality commend it for many applications in molecular
biology and the health-care sector.
Dextran Sulphate 10 has the following properties:
a polyanion, which is freely soluble in water
readily degradable by ecological systems
forms clear solutions
high purity and good stability
mimics natural mucopolysaccharide (for example chondroitin
sulfate, dermatan sulfate)
acts as a stabilizer to sensitive natural ingredients
available in kg to tonne quantities
Table 1. Chemical characteristics of Dextran Sulphate 10
Characteristics sodium salt.
Dextran Sulphate 10 sodium salt is prepared by sulfating a Average molecular weight (MW) 9 00016 000
selected fraction of Dextran (B512F) followed by careful Sulfur content 16.019.0%
purification. Each glucose unit in the Dextran chain has Specific optical rotation +90 to +105 C
approximately 2 sulfate groups. The molecular weight range Loss on drying max. 7%
of the product is 9 00016 000. Dextran Sulphate 10 sodium pH; 5.58.0
salt is supplied as a white powder, which is freely soluble in Free sulfate max. 2%
water and salt solutions to give clear solutions. The pH of an Turbidity max. 5.0 NTU
aqueous solution lies between 5.5 to 8.0.
Dextran Sulphate 10 is a polyanion and as such will interact
with cations or polycations. When mixed with polycations, a
Applications
precipitate usually forms. Dextran Sulphate 10 can be 1. Anti-viral properties
precipitated by quaternary ammonium compounds, for example,
There are many reports in the literature describing the anti-
cetyl pyridinium chloride.
viral effects of Dextran sulfate. One report describes the
complete protection of human T-lymphocytes when exposed
CH2 to HIV in vitro. The effective concentrations were 5 g/ml.
H OH H2 Dextran sulfate (MW 10 000) seems to be optimal for
H C
OH H inhibiting herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalo virus,
NaSO3O O OH
H OSO3Na
H
H
H2 vesicular stomatis virus, and HIV. It did not inhibit infection
C
NaSO3O
OH H
O
with adenovirus, coxackievirus, or poliovirus. Dextran sulfate
H OH H2
H OSO3Na H C essentially blocks the binding of the virus to the lymphocyte
OH H
NaSO3O O
H O H
cell membrane.
H OSO3Na H
OH H Although the activity of Dextran sulfate in animals and
NaSO3O O
H OSO3Na
humans is poor when administered orally or intravenously,
the possibility of using preparations containing Dextran sulfate
Fig 1. Generalized structure of Dextran sulfate. topically remain a viable proposition. In one example, a
topical virucidal formulation containing a sulfated poly-
saccharide in a gel gave 98% inhibition of HVH2 (Ciba-Geigy).

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Dextran
2. Interactions with enzymes and cells
These interactions are essentially identical to those described
under Data File 18-1151-75 AA, Dextran Sulphate sodium salt.
3. Stabilization of proteins
As with Dextran Sulphate sodium salt, Dextran Sulphate 10
also confers favorable effects on the the dry and wet
stabilization of enzymes.
4. Cosmetics
The following properties have been claimed in the literature
for Dextran sulfate.
Increased lipase activity giving weight-reducing effects and supple skin
Anti-wrinkle effects
Good moisture retention
Smooth, fresh, non-sticky feeling
Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic
Anti-ageing
Treating rough, chapped skin
Numerous studies with various models have demonstrated
anti-inflammatory effects of Dextran sulfates (15). In a more
recent study, Dextran sulfate has been found to considerably
reduce lymphoblast extravasation in skin sites inflammed
either by non-immune causes or by DTH (6).
In a pharmacological evaluation of a topical preparation
containing Dextran sulfate and betamethasone, the
combination was found to have a significant anti-inflammatory
effect compared to the individual components (7).
Although there are no detailed reports on the moisturizing
properties of Dextran sulfate, it is clear that it has strong
hydrophilic properties. The osmotic retention of water by
Dextran sulfate present in tissue will contribute significantly
to the well-being and mechanical properties of the tissues
concerned. Dextran sulfate will rapidly take up moisture when
exposed to air. Studies on the colloid osmotic pressure reveal
that it is comparable to or better than other glycosaminoglycans
such as chondroitin sulfate, heparin etc. The colloid osmotic
pressure of Dextran sulfate will be considerably higher than
uncharged Dextran.
Dextran sulfate will bind to various membranes particularly
those with a slight positive charge and will thus retain water
more than the uncharged Dextran.
df 18-1151-77 AA, 2001-11 p2
Toxicology
The toxicity of Dextran sulfate is dependent not only on the
dose and molecular weight of the substance but also on the
route of administration.
1. Parenteral administration
The LD50 for a Dextran sulfate with mean molecular weight
7 500 and sulfur content 17% was given as 2.1 g/kg (in mice).
Heparin has a similar LD50.
Extensive studies on chronic toxicity of Dextran sulfate
revealed undesirable long-term effects from long term-infusions
with hair loss, painful joints, and brittle bones.
2. Oral ingestion
Dextran sulfate appears to be poorly absorbed from the gut. In
a recent study, subjects were given a single dose of 1.8 g of
Dextran sulfate (MW 7 000). At no time could plasma levels
of Dextran sulfate exceeding 1 g/ml be detected.
3. Topical application
Safety studies on topical formulations containing Dextran
sulfate are not publically available. Several proprietary
creams and lotions containing Dextran sulfate are sold for
therapeutic or cosmetic applications.
A Dextran sulfate analog, Hirudoid (Luitpold Werk),
prepared by further sulfation of a natural mucopolysaccharide
extracted from animal tissue, is used in creams for treating
hematoma and thrombophlebitis. Studies on the anti-coagulant
effects and the transcutaneous penetration of this substance
indicate that it penetrates the corium and subcutis although
the effects were not quantified. It is anticipated that Dextran
sulfate will also penetrate these layers.
No reports are available on skin irritation or allergenic
reactions to Dextran sulfate. Dextran sulfate is closely
analogous to the group of sulfate polysaccharides designated
as mucopolysaccharides, which are abundant in connective
tissue and skin.
Dextran

Dextran Sulphate 500 (17-0896-10) Ordering information

Dextran Sulphate 500 is prepared in a similar way to Dextran Pack size Code No.
Sulphate sodium salt with the exception that the Dextran
Dextran Sulphate 10 sodium salt 1 kg 17-0345-08
fraction used as starting material is chosen so that the final
sulfate product has a mean molecular weight between 400 000 Dextran Sulphate 10 sodium salt 5 kg 17-0345-03
and 650 000. The degree of sulfation is 16.019.0%. The purity
is otherwise similar to that of Dextran Sulphate sodium salt.

Dextran Sulphate 100 (17-0896-17)

Dextran Sulphate 100 is prepared in a similar way to Dextran
Sulphate sodium salt with the exception that the Dextran
fraction used as starting material is chosen so that the final
sulfate product has a mean molecular weight between
80 000 and 120 000. The degree of sulfation is 16.019.0%.
The purity is otherwise similar to that of Dextran Sulphate
sodium salt.

References
1. Patrushev, V.I. and Shekhtman, M.A. Byull Eksp Biol Med, 75, 5, 30 (1973).
2. Giri, S.N., Benson, J., Siegel, D.M., Rice, S.A., Schiedt, M.
Proc Soc Exptl Biol Med, 150, 810 (1975).
3. Giroud, J.P. and Timsit, J Therapie, 28, 5, 889 (1973).
4. Rocha e Silva, M., Calvacant, R.Q., Reis, M.L. Biochem Pharmacol, 18, 1285 (1969).
5. von Przerwa, M. and Arnold, M. Arzneim-Forsch, 25, 1048 (1975).
6. Bellavia, A., Brusca, I., Marino, V., Peri, S.M., Di Fiore, P and Selerno, A.
Immunopharmacology, 13, 173 (1987)
7. Passarella, E. and Milanimo, R. Arzneim-Forsch, 30, 647 (1980)

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Dextran

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