Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) blocks conduction in peripheral nerve C fibers: a possible mechanism of analgesia.
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is readily absorbed through skin, and relieves musculoskeletal pain when applied topically to painful areas. We studied the effects of DMSO on C-type nerve fibers, which mediate pain sensation. DMSO was applied directly to exposed cat sural nerves. C fiber conduction velocity was slowed by DMSO, even in low concentrations (5-7% v/v). Higher concentrations completely blocked C fiber conduction, with a minimum blocking concentration of 9%. Onset of nerve block was almost immediate with 15% DMSO or higher concentrations. C fiber blockade may account for analgesia with DMSO.
Evans
M S
MS
Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield.
Reid
K H
KH
Sharp
J B
JB
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000698:Analgesia; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004566:Electrodes; D009407:Nerve Block; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000187:drug effects*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000187:drug effects
D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide