The major biological and pharmacological activities of trichosanthin (TCS) were retained after its covalent coupling to dextran T40. The potency and toxicity was generally reduced. 2. A dose of TCS as low as 0.02 mg/25 g induced 100% mid-term abortion whereas 20 times as much dextran-trichosanthin (DX-TCS) is required to produce the same effect. 3. A third of the mice died at a TCS dose of 0.1 mg/25 g but 4 times as much DX-TCS did not cause any death. 4. DX-TCS suppressed Con A or PHA induced lymphocyte transformation in a dose dependent manner. The potency was decreased as compared to TCS. 5. Both TCS and DX-TCS exhibited a cytostatic effect on cultured tumour cells (PU5 and hepatoma), the former being more potent.