Effects of clozapine, thioridazine, perlapine and haloperidol on the metabolism of the biogenic amines in the brain of the rat.

The effects of clozapine, thioridazine, perlapine and haloperidol on the metabolism of the biogenic amines in the brain of the rat have been investigated. Haloperidol, perlapine and thioridazine induce catalepsy and enhance the turnover of DA in the striatum as indicated by the dose-dependent increase in the DA-metabolites, HVA and DOPAC. These effects are due to blockade of dopaminergic transmission, haloperidol being far more potent than perlapine or thiridazine. Clozapine differs from these agents in that it elevates the concentration of striatal DA. The increase of the concentrations of HVA and DOPAC by clozapine is not accompanied by development of catalepsy. Therefore, clozapine seems to influence striatal DA by a mechanism other than DA-receptor blockade. All four drugs enhance the turnover of NA in the brain stem. This effect is probably secondary to the blockade of NA-receptors. There was no correlation between the effects on NA-metabolism and the EEG-arousal inhibitory activities of these agents or their clinical antipsychotic effects. Clozapine increase the concentration of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brain. This effect was not seen with the other drugs. Perlapine seems to enhance the turnover of 5-HT, whereas haloperidol reduced the 5-HT concentration. Thioridazine appears to have no effect on the metabolism of 5-HT.