X-Message-Number: 12666
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 00:06:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: DMSO harms cell membranes as well

Authors
  Yu ZW.  Quinn PJ.
Institution
  Division of Life Sciences, King's College London, UK.
Title
  The modulation of membrane
  structure and stability by dimethyl sulphoxide (review).
  [Review] [61 refs]
Source
  Molecular Membrane Biology.  15(2):59-68, 1998 Apr-Jun.
Abstract
  Dimethyl sulphoxide is a widely used agent in cell biology. It is well known
  as a cryoprotectant, cell fusogen and a permeability enhancing agent.
  These applications depend, to a greater or lesser extent, on
  the effect of dimethyl sulphoxide on the
  stability and dynamics of biomembranes. The
  aim of this review is to examine progress of the research
  which has been directed towards studies of the interactions
  between dimethyl sulphoxide and membranes, particularly that
  with the lipid components of cell
  membranes, as seen in its effects on model
  membrane systems. Models are proposed to explain
  the mechanism whereby dimethyl sulphoxide may mediate its
  effects on biological functions by its effects on the
  stability and properties of the membrane
  lipid matrix. [References: 61]

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=12666