Ineffectiveness of DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) in Treating Experimental Brain Ischemia,

Abstract

A beneficial effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the treatment of acute focal cerebral ischemia has not been proven. In the present study, two established experimental models of acute focal cerebral ischemia were treated with DMSO. Twenty adult cats lightly anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride underwent right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion for 6 hours. Ten cats were not treated and 10 cats received DMSO (2.5 g/kg i.v.) immediately after occlusion. No improvement of EEG findings, erythrocyte transit, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), blood-brain barrier permeability, or morphological findings were demonstrated in the DMSO-treated cats. In a second study, 15 conscious adult baboons underwent temporary left MCA occlusion (6 or 12 hours) using an implanted occluding device. Seven baboons were not treated and 8 baboons received continuous intravenous infusions of DMSO for 10 hours beginning 30 minutes after occlusion. Four of the baboons that were treated with DMSO also were treated with pentobarbital coma for 96 hours starting 4 hours after occlusion. Analysis of the neurological scores after 1 week survival indicated that treatment with DMSO alone and DMSO and pentobarbital coma did not improve the outcome. Morphological changes were similar in the 3 groups. The findings of our investigation indicate that DMSO is ineffective in treating acute focal cerebral ischemia.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADP001853

Entities

People

  • John R. Little
  • Joseph Zabramski
  • Richard A. Roski
  • Robert F. Spetzler
  • Warren R. Selman

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arteries
  • Blood
  • Blood Flow
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders
  • Ischemia
  • Sulfur Compounds
  • Vascular System Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology