title: Pharmacology of DMSO.
abstract: A wide range of primary pharmacological actions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been documented in laboratory studies: membrane penetration, membrane transport, effects on connective tissue, anti-inflammation, nerve blockade (analgesia), bacteriostasis, diuresis, enhancement or reduction of the effectiveness of other drugs, cholinesterase inhibition, nonspecific enhancement of resistance to infection, vasodilation, muscle relaxation, antagonism to platelet aggregation, and influence on serum cholesterol in experimental hypercholesterolemia. This substance induces differentiation and function of leukemic and other malignant cells. DMSO also has prophylactic radioprotective properties and cryoprotective actions. It protects against ischemic injury.
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001692:Biological Transport; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004231:Diuresis / Q000187:drug effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000378:metabolism; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D007511:Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D003094:Collagen; D002118:Calcium; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide