Myelin structure transformed by dimethylsulfoxide.

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Abstract
X-ray diffraction patterns from nerves [rabbit and bull-frog] bathed for about 1/2 h in Ringer''s solution containing dimethylsulfoxide [Me2SO] at concentration of 10% or more showed reflections from a new, highly ordered structure with a repeat period about 2/3 that of native myelin. The proportion of myelin transformed was greater at higher concentrations, and above 40% the native pattern was no longer observed. Replacing the Me2SO with Ringer''s solution led to the rapid reappearance of the native diffraction pattern. The effect of Me2SO could be accounted for by the loss of water from the spaces between the membrane units without significant modification of the bilayer structure.