EFFECT OF CHLORPROMAZINE ON STRESS INDUCED ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID DEPLETION1

Abstract

WE HAVE previously summarized our results on the effects of Dibenzyline, adrenal cortex extract, and morphine on stress induced adrenal ascorbic acid depletion (1). Since various reports (2–7) on the effects of chlorpromazine on pituitary-adrenal function have been somewhat conflicting, we have extended our investigations to include this agent. White male rats, descendants of the Wistar strain, weighing 150–200 gm., were used for all experiments. In all except one experiment the rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital intraperitoneally (4.0–5.0 mg. per 100 gm.). The stresses applied to induce adrenal ascorbic acid depletion were sham adrenalectomy, unilateral adrenalectomy, 1-epinephrine injected subcutaneously, and vasopressin injected intravenously. In each case the time from the onset of stress, or injection of corticotropin, to termination of the experiment was one hour. Chlorpromazine2 (dissolved in physiological saline) was injected subcutaneously. In testing for the effects of chlorpromazine per se the experiment was terminated one hour after injection. In testing for the ability of chlorpromazine to inhibit stress induced adrenal ascorbic acid depletion, the drug was injected one hour prior to the onset of stress.