Effect of heparin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.

Heparin has been shown to ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease in several series. In addition to its anticoagulant properties, heparin has numerous other effects that may be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease. Other sulfated polysaccharides, such as dextran sulfate, cause colitis in mice through unknown mechanisms. We postulate that dextran sulfate and heparin may act via similar pathways with opposite effects. To examine this thesis, the effect of heparin on dextran sulfate-induced colitis was studied. Swiss-Webster mice were given 5% dextran sulfate in their drinking water for five days to induce colitis. Heparin was given both therapeutically after the induction of colitis and prophylactically by subcutaneous injections, with saline injections given in controls. Histologic sections of colon were randomized and graded for colitis. Heparinized animals showed no significant difference in the pattern or severity of colitis when compared to control animals. It is concluded that heparin does not ameliorate the murine colitis induced by dextran sulfate in the doses given.