Derivatized dextran inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells is postulated to be one of the key events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis or during the development of focal glomerular sclerosis. Several studies have suggested that the antiproliferative effects of heparin appear to be regulated by different structural determinants. Our experiments show that dextrans substituted with carboxylic and benzylamide sulphonate groups markedly inhibit the growth of smooth muscle cells in vitro. Studies on the structure-function relationships of these products to their effect on rat aorta smooth muscle cells are reported. The antiproliferative capacity is similar to that of heparin.