Effect of dextrans on platelet adhesiveness and aggregation.

Abstract

Intravenous infusion of well defined dextran fractions (dextran 40, dextran 70 and dextran 77.5) causes a decrease in adenosine diphosphate induced aggregation and adhesiveness of human platelets. The response is dose dependent. On a weight basis, dextran 40 is less active than the other two preparations. The possible mode of action and clinical significance are discussed.