Protection of heat induced cytoxicity by glycerol.

Glycerol, at concentrations of 2-10% is a potent hyperthermic (43 degrees - 45 degrees C)protector of cultured Chinese hamster cells, V79. Furthermore, the sensitization effect of low pH on heat death is also drastically reduced by the addition of glycerol into the culture medium. Together with the known cellular effects of heat and the role of glycerol in various cellular structures and functions, the data suggest that microtubules and membranes may be involved in the expression of heat-induced cell death.