Cytotoxicity of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in direct contact with odontoblast-like cells

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the cytotoxicity of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the repair-related activity of cultured odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. MethodsSolutions with different concentrations of DMSO (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0mM), diluted in culture medium (DMEM), were placed in contact with MDPC-23 cells (5×104cells/cm2) for 24h. Eight replicates (n=8) were prepared for each solutions for the following methods of analysis: violet crystal dye for cell adhesion (CA), quantification of total protein (TP), alizarin red for mineralization nodules formation (MN) and cell death by necrosis (flow cytometry); while twelve replicates (n=12) were prepared for viable cell number (Trypan Blue) and cell viability (MTT assay). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey or Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney's tests (p<0.05). ResultsCell viability, adhesion and percentage of cell death by necrosis were not affected by DMSO at any concentration, with no statistical significant difference among the groups. A significant reduction in total protein production was observed for 0.5 and 1.0mM of DMSO compared to the control while increased mineralized nodules formation was seen only for 1.0mM DMSO.Significance: DMSO caused no or minor cytotoxic effects on the pulp tissue repair-related activity of odontoblast-like cells.