
Toxic effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on red blood cells, platelets, and vascular endothelial cells in vitro
Author(s) -
Yi Xiaoyang,
Liu Minxia,
Luo Qun,
Zhuo Hailong,
Cao Hui,
Wang Jiexi,
Han Ying
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
febs open bio
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.718
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 2211-5463
DOI - 10.1002/2211-5463.12193
Subject(s) - platelet , dimethyl sulfoxide , in vitro , pharmacology , chemistry , biochemistry , endothelial stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , biology , immunology , organic chemistry
Dimethyl sulfoxide ( DMSO ) is widely used in biological studies as a cryoprotective agent for cells and tissues, and also for cryopreserved platelets ( PLT s). However, few data on the toxic effects of DMSO following intravenous infusion of cryopreserved PLT s are available. The aim of this study was to explore dose‐related effects of DMSO on red blood cells ( RBC s), PLT s and vascular endothelial cells in vitro . The results showed that DMSO treatments had significant effects on RBC s, affecting osmotic fragility and increasing hemolysis. Free hemoglobin ( FH b) level of RBC s was 0.64 ± 0.19 g L −1 after incubation for 6 h with 0.6% DMSO , and these levels were elevated compared with controls (0.09 ± 0.05 g L −1 ). Aggregation of PLT s induced by adenosine diphosphate, thrombin ( THR ), and thrombin receptor activator peptide ( TRAP ) were inhibited by DMSO treatment because the THR generation capacity was reduced. The intensity of the cytosolic esterase‐induced fluorescence response from carboxy dimethyl fluorescein diacetate ( CMFDA ) in PLT s was decreased about 29% ± 0.04% after treatment with DMSO . DMSO also inhibited the proliferation of the vascular endothelial cell line EA hy926 cells by blocking the G1 phase. Apoptosis of EA hy926 cells with 0.6% DMSO stimulation was increased threefold compared to controls. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that DMSO was toxic to the hematologic system. This should be taken into account when assessing the infusion effects of cryopreserved PLT s or other blood products requiring DMSO as a vehicle, such as cryopreserved stem cells, in order to avoid adverse therapeutic effects.