The effects of aspirin and dimethyl sulphoxide on the latency of lysosomes in a cell-free system.

Lysosomal preparations were exposed to various concentrations of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and aspirin singularly and in combination. Acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase activities were measured and utilized as an indication of lysosomal membrane stability under experimental conditions in the presence and absence of these drugs. Extremely low concentrations of each drug were employed in an attempt to mimic the levels which might be feasible in vivo. There was a significant decrease of enzyme activity (increased structure-linked latency) in the presence of DMSO. Aspirin had no significant effect on the latency of the lysosomes. There was no indication of synergism between DMSO and aspirin. It was concluded that some of the therapeutic advantages attributed to DMSO in the treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases may come from the stabilization of lysosomes in cells that contribute to the pathological condition. Aspirin did not seem to exert a therapeutic effect through this mechanism.