title: Rapid molecular size characterization of heparins by high pressure liquid chromatography.
abstract: Extremely fast molecular size separations of heparins have been demonstrated using modern high pressure liquid chromatography technology. Commercial USP grade heparins of beef and porcine origin were characterized within 7 minutes. Their molecular size distribution characteristics and molecular weight relative to nonionic dextrans were obtained and found to exhibit a higher molecular weight for porcine and a lower molecular weight for beef heparin. The molecular weight profiles of low potency heparins showed either lower or higher average molecular weights than normal with a wider peak shape. As little a 5 mug of heparin can be detected by this procedure, and as much as 10 mg could be handled preparatively by these systems. High pressure liquid chromatography is a powerful tool for characterization of heparin and other acidic mucopolysaccharides when used in conjunction with other analytical and biological methods.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D006493:Heparin; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa; D008168:Lung; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin