The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on aortic prostacyclin production and serum thromboxane and plasma fibrinogen levels in rabbits fed a normal versus a cholesterol-enriched diet
Hoover, E.L.; Ross, M.J.; Fani, K.; Adams, C.Z.; Debons, A.F.
Surgery 109(1): 69-75
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6060 PMID: 1984638 Document Number: 374509
Through an unknown mechanism, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) retards atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed rabbits (CFR). The effects of feeding control versus atherogenic diets, with or without DMSO, on the development of lesions and prostacyclin (PGI2) production in the thoracic aorta and total serum lipid and cholesterol content of the abdominal aortic serum thromboxane (TXB2) and plasma fibrinogen levels were studied in rabbits. Without DMSO, PGI2 production was higher in CFR than in controls (8.65+or-1.0 vs. 6.38+or-0.3 ng/15 min; P<0.02). DMSO did not influence PGI2 production in any of the groups but reduced the number of atheromatous lesions in CFR (78%+or-9% vs. 8%+or-4%; P<0.001). DMSO significantly reduced total lipid levels (422+or-5 vs. 300+or-21 mg/g dry weight (P<0.01)) and cholesterol levels (74+or-12.8 vs. 31.8+or-6.4 mg/g dry weight (P<0.01)) in CFR compared with controls. Fibrinogen levels were lower in CFR than in control animals (0.83+or-0.07 vs. 2.42+or-0.13 mg/ml; P<0.01). TXB2 was lower in DMSO plus control versus control animals alone. It is concluded that DMSO probably does not act through changes in PGI2 or fibrinogen activity. Its effect in lowering TXB2 in CFR suggests an action on platelet function.