The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on neurite development in vitro

In these studies, DMSO at concentration above 1% was shown to be a potent inhibitor of neurite maturation in vitro. The inhibition was not reversible, and occurred in both newly formed and established neurites. In the presence of DMSO, the addition of NGF resulted in a general shift of the dose-response curve. The data indicate that at levels of DMSO below 5%, DRG neurons are capable of responding to NGF stimulation. It has been suggested that DMSO blocks a specific process associated with neurite extension. These studies suggest that the inhibitory action of membranous organelles in the developing neurite, a finding consistent with previous speculation that DMSO is responsible for an increased intracellular disorganization.