Biochemical effects of chlorpromazine on mouse neuroblastoma cells

Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine derivatives are neuroleptic drugs of widespread use for clinical situations beyond the realm of psychiatry, suc h as to control nausea, vomiting and intractable hiccups. The present study investigated in vitro different cytotoxic effects of chlorpromazine in cul tures of mouse neuroblastoma cell line Neuro-2a exposed to different concen trations of this compound. Indicators assessed were cell proliferation by q uantification of total protein content of the cell culture, lysosomal funct ion evaluated by the relative uptake of neutral red cytosolic phosphofructo kinase (PFK) and enolase (ENL) activities In glycolysis, mitochondrial succ inate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in the citric acid cycle, lysosomal beta -galactosidase (GAL) activity, and neuronal acetylcholinesterase activity. Marked inhibitory effects were found for cell proliferation and relative ne utral red uptake; PFK, ENL and GAL activities had no significant difference s from control. Stimulation was specifically detected on SDH and the Krebs cycle at concentrations up to 30 mu M. Chlorpromazine did not have high tox icity for cytotoxic effects on lysosomes.