EFFECTS OF DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE (DMSO) ON THE OXYGEN PARADOX IN PERFUSED RAT HEARTS

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  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 109  (3) , 270-276
Abstract
The effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on the morphologic features of cells and cellular enzyme release was studied in Langendorf-perfused rat hearts at 37.degree. C. DMSO 10% greatly reduced the magnitude of O2-induced creatine kinase release (O2-CK) after a 60-min period of hypoxic perfusion. DMSO also protected cells from development of severe contracture with formation of contraction bands. A linear correlation was found between the magnitude of O2-CK release and the percentage of cells in hearts containing contraction bands. Hypertonic mannitol did not protect hearts from CK release due to the Ca paradox, although DMSO was effective in this regard. DMSO reduced contractile force of hearts and tensions caused by hypoxic contracture as measured by an intraventricular balloon. Evidently DMSO affords protection from O2-CK release by actions on cells other than its osmotic effects. DMSO may alter the response of injured cells to the effects of Ca2+.