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Year :	1999
Tome :	150
Volume :	5
Pages :	391-412
Title :	Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) : experimental uses and toxicity
Authors :	P. GUERRE, V. BURGAT et F CASALI
Summary :	Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is well known for its solvent properties. Because it is well absorbed and has both antiinflammatory and radical scavenger properties it has been widely used in therapeutic to control ischemia reperfusion damages, for its analgesic properties and in the treatment of chemical, physical and biological injuries. It has also been used in several urogenital, digestive, cutaneous and musculosqueletic diseases. However, none of these treatments appeared better than more traditional ones, except for controling interstitial cystitis and amyloidosis. Acute DMSO toxicity is well known and linked to its haemolytic and anticholinesterasic properties. By contrast, its chronic toxicity is less understood, and long terra carcino genic studies in animals are not available. DMSO is mutagenic and clastogenic in vitro, and its reduced metabolite, dimethylsulfite, has been recognised as «probable carcinogen» in human beings. All these factors suggest that DMSO cannot be recommended in large animal practice. In small animals, DMSO must only be used in the absence of more traditional treatment, under the responsibility of the practitioner, after information of the owner of the experimental character of this practice.
Keywords :	DMSO, dimethylsulfoxide, toxicity, inflammation, free radicals, ischemia, therapeutic, dog, cat, horse.
Correspondence :	P.GUERRE
Adress :	Département des sciences biologiques et fonctionnelles, Pharmacie-Toxicologie, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 23, Chemin des Capelles, F-31076 Toulouse Cedex 3

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