Abstract
THE anaphylactoid reaction caused by dextran in rats has recently been studied by several investigators1–3. We have found that after intradermal injections of dextran dissolved in physiological saline (in rats), Menkin's intravenous dye test4 shows a seepage of dye into the wheals when the concentration of commercial dextran (Macrodex, Pharmacia Inc.) is at least 10 µgm/ml. Moreover, it has been found that dextran preparations with highly branched molecular chains are more toxic than those with relatively unbranched chains. Dextran fractions of an average molecular weight of 10,000 cause a positive dye test only in concentrations of about 10 mgm./ml. Sulphuric acid esters of dextran5 do not cause increased capillary permeability. We have confirmed the previously reported increase in hæmatocrit values after intravenous injection of dextran3, and found that it is more or less completely prevented by antihistaminics, local anæsthetics and pretreatment with cortisone in high doses. The most potent inhibitor, however, is alloxan intravenously in a subdiabetogenic dose. 2,3-Dimercaptopropanol injected 30 min. before dextran has an inhibitory effect only in some experimental series. The factors causing these variations in the ‘antiphlogistic’ effect of BAL are under study.
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References
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EDLUND, T., LÖFGREN, B. & VÄLI, L. Toxicity of Dextran in Rats. Nature 170, 125 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/170125a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/170125a0
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