Suppression of release of microfilariae in vitro from Setaria cervi (Nematoda: Filariodeae) by chlorpromazine.

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) caused suppression in release of microfilariae in vitro from Setaria cervi at 10(-5) M concentration. The inhibitory effect of CPZ was further stimulated by Ca2+ (2 mM), whereas addition of EGTA (2 mM) resulted in partial reversal. Addition of dopamine (1 mM) along with CPZ (10(-5) M) caused similar inhibition as was observed in the presence of CPZ (10(-5) M) alone. CPZ did not effect in vitro oxygen uptake by worm homogenates up to 0.5 mM concentration. The results indicate the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent anthelmintic action of CPZ on S. cervi.