I am working on some cell based assays, in which I am trying to set the concentration of DMSO for getting better results, but unfortunately values are going bad… Pls let me know about the effect of DMSO on cells with different concentrations and also it’s role in synergism of agonist action if any…
Regards,
While DMSO is a popular solvent used in cell-based experiments, its impact on cells depends a lot on the concentration used. At low levels, usually below 0.1%, DMSO is generally safe and doesn’t harm most cells, making it a good choice for dissolving test substances. As the concentration increases to between 0.1% and 1%, DMSO can start to have some harmful effects, particularly on the sensitive cell types. While many cells can handle the levels for short time periods, longer exposure may have some effects on morphology or function and may even impact their survival. Concentrations above 1% have the most negative effects potentially damaging cell membranes, causing oxidative stress, or leading to cell death. Interestingly, DMSO can also change the efficiency of certain molecules by affecting how easily these compounds enter the cells. Therefore, identifying the right DMSO concentration is crucial by performing preliminary tests with different levels to help establish a safe concentration for consistent results.
For Cryopreservation of Cells, usually upto 10% DMSO is used but it can be diluted to 0.1% immediately after thawing a frozen cell line. In case you are require to solubilize your compound in DMSO, ensure that the final concentration of DMSO remains at the lowest possible level. If you are using the cells immediately after thawing, you can wait for 24 hours and change media before the experiment.