Dimethyl sulfoxide suppresses NMDA- and AMPA-induced ion currents and calcium influx and protects against excitotoxic death in hippocampal neurons

作者：Lu CB; Mattson MP^*

来源：Experimental Neurology, 2001, 170(1): 180-185.

DOI：10.1006/exnr.2001.7686

• DMSO
• fura-2
• glutamate
• ischemia
• pain
• patch clamp

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used in neuroscience research as a solvent for various pharmacological agents in both cell culture and in vivo studies and is also used in humans to treat musculoskeletal problems and pain. We now report that concentrations of DMSO to which neurons are typically exposed in experimental studies and in human patients (0.5-1.5%) inhibit glutamate responses in hippocampal neurons. DMSO suppresses, in a rapidly reversible manner, electrophysiological responses and calcium in influx induced by glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and alpha -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-prop Moreover, DMSO can prevent excitotoxic death of the neurons. These findings have important implications for the use of DMSO as a solvent in studies that involve glutamatergic neurotransmission. Our data also identify a mechanism that might explain clinical effects of DMSO on both peripheral and CNS neurons and suggest a potential use for DMSO in the treatment of excitotoxic neurodegenerative conditions.

• 出版日期2001-7