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Dimethyl sulfoxide: lack of suppression of the humoral immune response in mice
Abstract:
Mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 100% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or sterile saline (controls) for 36 days. The mice received 0.05 ml daily for one week, 0.025 ml every other day for the second week (because the DMSO-treated mice appeared weak), and 0.05 ml daily for 3 more weeks. All mice were immunized twice with sheep red blood cells (days 13 and 24), and bled twice by caudal incision (days 20 and 29). Hematocrits were significantly decreased (P less than or equal to 0.002) but still within the normal range. The primary and secondary antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC), leukocyte counts, body weight, and the size of the heart, lungs, spleen, thymus, and kidneys were not affected. DMSO treatment resulted in significant liver enlargement (P = 0.02). It is concluded that this dose of DMSO is not deleterious to the humoral immune response in mice responding to a new antigen.
Insights
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) did not harm the immune response in mice, despite causing liver enlargement. This study indicates that DMSO, at this dose, is not detrimental to humoral immunity against new antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common solvent used in biological research.
- Understanding the potential effects of DMSO on the immune system is crucial for experimental design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intraperitoneal dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) administration on the humoral immune response in mice.
- To assess the safety and potential side effects of DMSO in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered DMSO (100%) or sterile saline intraperitoneally over 36 days with a specific dosage regimen.
- Humoral immunity was evaluated by immunizing mice with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and measuring antibody responses.
- Hematological parameters, leukocyte counts, body weight, and organ sizes (heart, lungs, spleen, thymus, kidneys, liver) were assessed.
Main Results:
- DMSO treatment led to a significant decrease in hematocrit, though values remained within the normal range.
- No significant effects of DMSO were observed on primary and secondary antibody responses to SRBC, leukocyte counts, body weight, or the size of major organs except the liver.
- Significant liver enlargement was observed in the DMSO-treated group (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- The tested dose of DMSO did not adversely affect the humoral immune response to a novel antigen in mice.
- While DMSO caused liver enlargement, it did not impair the mice's ability to mount an immune response.
- Further research may be warranted to fully elucidate the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying DMSO-induced liver changes.