EVIDENCE OF LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN PATIENTS TAKING NEUROLEPTIC DRUGS

This study investigated the effect of chronic neuroleptic therapy on h epatic glutathione concentration in relation to lipid peroxidation. He patic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured in liver biopsies from a group of patients receiving chronic psychotropic drug therapy. The results were compared with values obtai ned from a selected group of controls and correlated to liver histolog y and blood biochemistry. Patients taking neuroleptics exhibited incre ased hepatic MDA and decreased total GSH levels when compared with con trols. The reduction of GSH was accompanied by a 25% increase in oxidi zed glutathione (GSSG) concentrations. In addition, a positive correla tion between liver MDA and GSSG concentrations was observed in the gro up receiving neuroleptic therapy. The study results suggest that an in creased lipid peroxidation may represent a contributory mechanism for neuroleptic drug toxicity.