Effect of chlorpromazine on the function of the perfused isolated liver

Abstract

The acute effect of chlorpromazine on the function of the perfused rat liver was evaluated by monitoring the removal of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) from the perfusate, the biliary excretion of the dye and the rate of bile and perfusate flow. The higher drug concentrations used, 2.5 × 10 −4, 5 × 10 −4 and 10 −3 M l . of perfusate, led to a decreased rate of removal of BSP from the perfusate and of biliary excretion of the dye, accompanied by a significant reduction of perfusate flow and bile production. These changes were porportional to the concentration of the drug. The lowest dose used, 10 −4 M l ., resulted in similar but more transient effects. In accord with other related studies, it is suggested that chlorpromazine may have an intrinsic toxic effect on the liver.