Dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits capping of surface receptors

The microfilaments of cellular slime mold cells are known to be dislocated from their attachment to the plasma membrane by 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). We report here that 10% DMSO inhibited capping of lentil lectin receptors on the surface of vegetative cells of the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium mucoroides. When the DMSO was washed from the cells, capping took place. Capping of surface immunoglobulin of mouse lymphocytes was also reversibly inhibited by 10% DMSO.