Clozapine induced neutrophil cytotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE The study was carried out to understand the pathogenesis of hematological dyscrasias and cytotoxicity following administration of both purified and commercially available form of Clozapine in an animal model. METHODS The Albino Sprague Dawley rats (n=30) with an average weight of 180g were taken and divided into three groups. Haematological parameters including haemoglobin, haematocrit, RBC and differential counts, absolute indices, Red cell Distribution Width (RDW) and morphological features of RBCs by peripheral blood smear were performed by standard laboratory methods. Additionally Serum Iron Concentration (SIC), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) (Roche Ltd.) and the serum ferritin level (Randox Ltd.) were also determined in each group. All statistical analysis was performed using graph pad prism. RESULTS Clozapine induced neutrophil toxicity was manifested in both experimental groups, with condensation and subsequent breakdown of chromatin material. CONCLUSION Our data, raised concerns about haematological safety and the potential mechanisms of neutrophil cytotoxicity related to the use of this drug.