THE MODULATION OF MEMBRANE-STRUCTURE AND STABILITY BY DIMETHYL-SULFOXIDE (REVIEW)

Dimethyl sulphoxide is a widely used agent in cell biology. It is well known as a cryoprotectant, cell fusogen and a permeability enhancing agent. These applications depend, to a greater or lesser extent, on th e effect of dimethyl sulphoxide on the stability and dynamics of biome mbranes. The aim of this review is to examine progress of the research which has been directed towards studies of the interactions between d imethyl sulphoxide and membranes, particularly that with the lipid com ponents of cell membranes, as seen in its effects on model membrane sy stems. Models are proposed to explain the mechanism whereby dimethyl s ulphoxide may mediate its effects on biological functions by its effec ts on the stability and properties of the membrane lipid matrix.