AbstractDextran metabolism was evaluated in euvolemic and hemorrhaged rabbits following administration of a 7.5%NaCl/6% Dextran‐70 (HSD) solution. Control rabbits and those bled 8 ml/kg body weight were infused i.v. with 4 ml/kg of HSD or HSD containing14C‐Dextran‐70. Blood samples were withdrawn prior to and at times up to 96 hr after HSD infusion. Peak serum dextran concentrations were about 29% higher in hemorrhaged rabbits than in controls, yet serum dextran t1/2was similar in both groups. Molecular weight (MW) distribution of dextran in serum showed a slight shift toward a MW>70,000, consistent with excretion of lower MW forms in the urine. After 96 hr concentrations of14C‐Dextran were 20‐fold higher in liver from both groups of rabbits, in comparison to spleen, lung, and kidney. In addition, dextranase activity in liver was markedly higher than in the other tissues assayed. These studies indicate that dextran infused as HSD does not associate with any protein fractions, is found only in low concentrations in tissue, and has a serum half‐life adequate to serve as a useful plasma volu