Some chemical and biological properties of the low molecular weight heparan sulfate alpha-idosane.

A low molecular weight heparan sulfate derivative, alpha-idosane was separated from a mixture of glycosaminoglycans extracted from porcine mucosa. Its molecular weight, sulfur, uronic acid and hexosamine contents, C-NMR spectrum and electrophoretic properties are reported in this paper. The pharmacological effects of a-idosane were investigated "ex vivo" in dogs and rats. At doses of 10-50 mg/kg p.o., a-idosane shows fibrinolytic activity but it is devoid of anticoagulant action. At the dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. a-idosane exertes a significant anti-inflammatory effect but is unable to protect the rats against arachidonate-induced sudden death.