Dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits killing of Staphylococcus aureus by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Abstract
Increasing concentrations of the highly permeable, hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethyl sulfoxide progressively decreased killing of Staphylococcus aureus 502A by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; methane, a product of the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with dimethyl sulfoxide, was generated in the process.