STRUCTURAL STUDIES ON CLINICAL DEXTRANS: PART 1. METHYLATION AND PERIODATE OXIDATION STUDIES

Abstract

Determinations have been made of the structures of four clinical dextrans, i.e. partially depolymerized dextrans which, in solution, are used as blood-volume expanders. By methylation studies, the major fractions of the dextrans have been shown to consist of chains of α 1 → 6 linked glucopyranose residues about 1 in every 9.5 – 11 of which also have branch points at C3. Two of the dextrans are probably also branched to a minor extent on C4. Periodate oxidation studies are reported on the clinical dextrans and on fractions obtained by ultrafiltration.