Dextran 40

Dextran 40 is a low molecular weight, branched polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation (typically by *Leuconostoc mesenteroides*) and purified to have an average molecular weight of approximately 40,000 Daltons. It is highly water soluble and mainly consists of α-1,6-linked glucose residues with a minority of α-1,3 branches. Dextran 40 is administered intravenously as a plasma volume expander in acute hypovolemia or shock and acts osmotically to retain fluid in the intravascular space. Additional pharmacologic effects include inhibition of platelet aggregation and modest anticoagulant activity. While not a classical molecular drug target, it is a biopharmaceutical agent of clinical and experimental interest. Safety concerns relate to hypersensitivity, risk of bleeding, and occasional renal or circulatory complications[1][2][5][6][8].

Other names

DextranDextranum 40LMWDPolyglusolGentran 40Lomodex 40Rheopolyglucine(1,6-alpha-D-glucosyl)nDextranumDextranum 40,70DextranoDextrano 40Dextran T40Dextran 40,110Dextran 40,70Dextran 40,70,110B05AA05CHEBI:520719004-54-0K3R6ZDH4DU

Plasma volume expansion via osmotic activity; Inhibition of platelet aggregation and coagulation factors[5][6]