The effects of dimethylsulfoxide on experimental hepatic ischemia

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a non-enzymatic free oxygen radical detoxifier, on the alterations observed during hepatic ischemia.

Twenty four albino rabbits were entered into the study. DMSO (500 mg/kg) was administered through inferior vena cava following dissection of the portal triad and immediately prior to clamping. The alterations on liver glycogen, blood glucose, ALT, AST, LDH, intracellular ATP, GSH-px, SOD, MDA within the erythrocyte and hepatic tissue MDA were investigated.

In the control group, following ischemia, a reduction in blood glucose, hepatic glycogen and ATP levels within the cell and an increase in AST and LDH levels, MDA, GSH-px and SOD levels within the erythrocyte and hepatic tissue MDA level were observed (p < 0.01). In the study group, the blood glucose values increased at 30th minute following ischemia. The increase in LDH level was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The increase in AST level was significantly lower when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No effect was observed on ALT and ALP levels. DMSO lowered the reduction in hepatic glycogen level (p < 0.05), GSH-px (p < 0.01), MDA (p < 0.05) and ATP (p < 0.05) levels within the erythrocyte and hepatic tissue MDA level (p < 0.01) that were increased following ischemia. The increase in blood SOD level was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

DMSO can be administered in attempt to prolong the duration of ischemia or to reduce the adverse effects of ischemia on the hepatic tissue during the existing ischemic period.