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Anaesthetic properties of dimethylthiourea
D D Koblin1, M J Laster, J Liu
1Department of Anesthesia, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121.
Abstract:
We have examined dimethylthiourea, a potent scavenger of free radicals, for its anaesthetic properties in mice and rats. In mice, dimethylthiourea abolished the righting reflex at intraperitoneal doses greater than 1.5 mg g-1 bodyweight; in rats, it decreased the MAC value for isoflurane in a dose-dependent fashion. Dimethylthiourea 0.5 g kg-1 decreased isoflurane MAC by 23%; at a dose of 2.0-4.0 g kg-1, it abolished the response to tail clamp. Doses of 4.0 g kg-1 were lethal in the presence of isoflurane. A serum concentration of dimethylthiourea approximately 1 mg ml-1 produced a 50% reduction in isoflurane MAC. These anaesthetic properties of dimethylthiourea may influence experimental studies that examine the biochemical and physiological properties of this agent.
Insights
Dimethylthiourea, a free radical scavenger, exhibits anesthetic properties in rodents. It induced loss of righting reflex in mice and reduced isoflurane
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Anesthesiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dimethylthiourea (DMTU) is recognized as a potent scavenger of free radicals.
- Its potential anesthetic effects have not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anesthetic properties of dimethylthiourea in preclinical models.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of DMTU on anesthetic requirements.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of the righting reflex in mice following intraperitoneal administration of DMTU.
- Determination of the Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in rats with varying doses of DMTU.
- Evaluation of the response to tail clamp and lethality at different DMTU concentrations.
Main Results:
- DMTU abolished the righting reflex in mice at doses >1.5 mg/g.
- In rats, DMTU dose-dependently decreased isoflurane MAC, with 0.5 g/kg reducing MAC by 23%.
- Higher DMTU doses (2.0-4.0 g/kg) abolished tail clamp response, but 4.0 g/kg was lethal with isoflurane.
Conclusions:
- Dimethylthiourea possesses significant anesthetic properties in mice and rats.
- These findings suggest DMTU can influence anesthetic depth and may impact research involving this compound.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the mechanisms and implications of DMTU's anesthetic effects.