Solvent artifacts likely to be induced by dimethylformamide

Dimethylformamide (DMF) is widely used as a drug solvent. We found DMF to have wide-spread pharmacological effects including depressant effect on CNS evidenced by a decrease in locomotor activity, body and limb tone and rectal temperature, and potentiation of pentobarbitone sleep. A dose-dependent hypotensive effect was seen in cats and rats. In rats, it was partially blocked by atropine and was associated with bradycardia. DMF antagonised the contractions of smooth muscle induced by many agonists. An atropine sensitive spasmogenic effect was observed on rabbit ileum at 20 ml/l and a direct relaxant effect at 50 ml/l. A positive inotropic effect on guinea pig atria was observed with 5 ml/l. The results indicate DMF concentrations that may not perhaps produce 'solvent artifacts' when used as a solvent.