Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): a review.
Abstract: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a very simple compound that has stimulated much controversy in the scientific and popular literature. Fig. 1 It is an aprotic solvent. Therapeutic and toxic agents that are not soluble in water are often soluble in DMSO. DMSO has a very strong affinity for water; on exposure to air, pure DMSO is rapidly diluted. DMSO's physiologic and pharmacologic properties and effects are incompletely understood. Properties that are considered to be particularly important to its therapeutic and toxic effects include: its own rapid penetration and enhanced penetration of other substances across biologic membranes; free radical scavenging; effects on coagulation; anticholinesterase activity; and DMSO-induced histamine release by mast cells. DMSO's systemic toxicity is considered to be low. Combinations of DMSO with other toxic agents probably constitute its greatest toxic potential. The scientific literature is reviewed with particular attention to mechanisms underlying DMSO's reported therapeutic and toxic effects. Currently approved, veterinary applications of DMSO are limited. DMSO's potential value in specific, approved and unapproved veterinary applications is discussed.
Publication Date: 1986-01-01 PubMed ID: 3510103
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Summary
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This research paper gives a comprehensive review of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), a simple compound with complex effects, often used as a solvent for water-insoluble therapeutic and toxic agents. Its properties, therapeutic and toxic effects, systemic toxicity, and potential uses in veterinary applications are discussed in detail.
Overview of DMSO
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a straightforward compound that has instigated considerable debate both in scientific and popular circles.
- It has the unique capability of being an aprotic solvent. In simple terms, it can dissolve therapeutic and toxic agents that are not soluble in water, making it very valuable in various applications.
- DMSO is well-known for its strong affinity to water and therefore dilutes rapidly when exposed to air.
Understanding the Properties of DMSO
- The physiological and pharmacological properties and impacts of DMSO are not fully known, contributing to its controversial reputation.
- Several properties are believed to be key to its potential therapeutic and toxic effects. This includes rapid penetration across biological membranes (thus enhancing the penetration of other substances), free radical scavenging, effects on coagulation, anticholinesterase activity, and its role in releasing histamine by mast cells.
DMSO’s Toxicity and Applications
- The systemic toxicity, or overall negative impact on the body, of DMSO is generally considered to be low. The most toxic potential arises when DMSO is combined with other toxic agents.
- The paper discusses at length the potential therapeutic and toxic effects of DMSO, as reported in existing literature, paying special attention to the mechanisms that might underpin these effects.
- Currently, the approved use of DMSO in veterinary medicine is limited. However, the paper explores the potential value of DMSO in specific approved and unapproved veterinary applications.
Cite This Article
APA
Brayton CF.
(1986).
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): a review.
Cornell Vet, 76(1), 61-90.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Absorption
- Administration, Topical / veterinary
- Analgesia / veterinary
- Animals
- Blood Coagulation / drug effects
- Chemical Phenomena
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
- Chemistry
- Cryoprotective Agents
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide / adverse effects
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide / metabolism
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide / pharmacology
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide / therapeutic use
- Enzymes / metabolism
- Eye Diseases / chemically induced
- Eye Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Inflammation / drug therapy
- Inflammation / veterinary
- Ischemia / drug therapy
- Ischemia / veterinary
- Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
- Kidney Diseases / veterinary
- Liver Diseases / veterinary
- Rabbits
- Skin Diseases / chemically induced
- Skin Diseases / veterinary
- United States
- United States Food and Drug Administration
- Wounds and Injuries / drug therapy
- Wounds and Injuries / veterinary
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