DMSO-

[Guest guest]

This made me cautious.

So. I'm careful.

Barb

________________________________________________________________

Multidisciplinary utilization of dimethyl sulfoxide: pharmacological,

cellular, and molecular aspects

Nuno C. Santos, , J. Figueira-Coelho, J. s-Silva and Carlota

Saldanha

Instituto de Bioquímica/Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de

Medicina de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, P-1649-028, Lisboa,

Portugal

Available online 28 January 2003

Abstract

DMSO is an amphipathic molecule with a highly polar domain and two

apolar methyl groups, making it soluble in both aqueous and organic

media. It is one of the most common solvents for the in vivo

administration of several water-insoluble substances. Despite being

frequently used as a solvent in biological studies and as a vehicle

for drug therapy, the side-effects of DMSO (undesirable for these

purposes) are apparent from its utilization in the laboratory (both

in vivo and in vitro) and in clinical settings. DMSO is a hydrogen-

bound disrupter, cell-differentiating agent, hydroxyl radical

scavenger, intercellular electrical uncoupler, intracellular low-

density lipoprotein-derived cholesterol mobilizing agent,

cryoprotectant, solubilizing agent used in sample preparation for

electron microscopy, antidote to the extravasation of vesicant

anticancer agents, and topical analgesic. Additionally, it is used in

the treatment of brain edema, amyloidosis, interstitial cystitis, and

schizophrenia. Several systemic side-effects from the use of DMSO

have been reported, namely nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hemolysis,

rashes, renal failure, hypertension, bradycardia, heart block,

pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest, and bronchospasm. Looking at the

multitude of effects of DMSO brought to light by these studies, it is

easily understood how many researchers working with DMSO (or studying

one of its specific effects) might not be fully aware of the

experiences of other groups who are working with it but in a

different context