Effect of treated polygalacturonic acid on blood volume loss in the rat following traumatic injury.

Evidence is presented that a polygalacturonic acid derivative (Stypturon) when administered intravenously to rats in nn optimal dosage results in concomitant diminution of blood loss from experimental injury to the tail. Mortality rate associated with hemorrhagic shock was significantly reduced. Blood coagulation was inhibited at the site of injury by immersion of the traumatized tail in an anticoagulant solution at 37 C. for the duration of the experiment. The data for the enhancement of the normal hemostyptic mechanism by a polymeric substance without the apparent mediation of the blood coagulation system is discussed.