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Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is mutagenic for bacterial mutagenicity tester strains
A Hakura1, H Mochida, K Yamatsu
1Department of Drug Safety Research, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract:
We used the Ames method with the modification of pre-incubation to evaluate the potential mutagenicity of DMSO. We performed the assays using nine different Ames Salmonella strains and Escherichia coli strains WP2 and WP2uvrA. DMSO was found to be mutagenic for Salmonella typhimurium TA1537 and TA2637 (the latter strain being isogenic to TA1537 but carrying plasmid pKM101) and for E. coli WP2uvrA. The mutagenic activity of DMSO observed at a concentration of 33% was about 10 times higher than the background level (65 revertants induced) for TA1537 after 20 min of incubation, where some lethal toxicity was observed. The mutagenicity of DMSO was observed in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 mix.
Insights
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) shows mutagenic potential in specific bacterial strains. This study found DMSO mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA, highlighting its genotoxic risks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a widely used solvent in biological research.
- Its potential mutagenicity requires thorough evaluation to ensure safe laboratory practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mutagenic potential of DMSO using bacterial reverse mutation assays.
- To identify specific bacterial strains susceptible to DMSO-induced mutations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Ames test with a pre-incubation modification.
- Employed nine Salmonella typhimurium strains and two Escherichia coli strains (WP2 and WP2uvrA).
- Evaluated mutagenicity in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 mix.
Main Results:
- DMSO demonstrated mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium TA1537 and TA2637.
- Mutagenicity was also observed in Escherichia coli WP2uvrA.
- Significant mutagenic activity (approx. 10x background) was noted for TA1537 at 33% DMSO concentration, with some lethal toxicity.
Conclusions:
- DMSO exhibits mutagenic properties in specific bacterial strains, including Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli.
- The findings underscore the need for caution when using DMSO, particularly at higher concentrations.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of DMSO-induced mutagenesis is warranted.