INFLUENCE OF CHLORPROMAZINE ON HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

The following effects of chlorpromazine on human erythrocytes could be observed: Protection against osmotic hemolysis; A change in the cell shape in isotonic medium; An increase of the mean cellular volume in isotonic medium; A small increase of trapped medium after centrifugation of the red blood cells ; A decrease of the sedimentation rate of the erythrocytes. All these effects are maximal at the same drug concentration, suggesting a common mechanism. No influence of chlorpromazine on the metabolism of intact cells could be found in the drug concentration range used in these experiments. From the osmotic behaviour of the erythrocytes an influence of the drug on the rigidity of the cell membrane may be viewed. © 1968.