Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide and acupuncture on the cardiovascular system of dogs.

The intravenous administration of dimethyl sulfoxide (100 mg/kg) resulted in a significant increase in cardiac output, stroke volume, central venous pressure, and a significant decrease in heart rate. Acupuncture by electrocautery at Jen Chung (Go-26) produced a significant increase in cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure and a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance in dogs under 0.75% halothane anesthesia. Both DMSO and acupuncture elicit an analgesic effect and enhance cardiovascular function as exemplified by an increase in the cardiac output.