A Study with Low and High Molecular Weights of Hexadimethrine Bromide--an Antiheparin Agent

SummaryThe above findings represent studies on the effect of hexadimethrine bromide on intravenous toxicity in mice, on in vitro mast cell disruption, and on antiheparin potency. Polymers of average molecular weight as well as dialysates of several such polymers were used in these studies. Results showed (a) that there is a definite trend for the toxicity of hexadimethrine to increase concomitantly with an increase in average polymer size, (b) that both intravenous toxicity and effects on mast cells are interrelated through the average molecular size of the samples used, and (c) that dialysis can fractionate the average molecular weight polymers into their components of varying toxicity without appreciable loss of antiheparin potency.