Haloperidol Treatment and DNA Methylation Changes in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Shimabukuro Morihiro, Jinno Yoshihiro, Fuke Chiaki, Okazaki Yuji
Primary Institution: Ryukyu University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is the difference in global methylation state of blood leukocyte DNA between male subjects with and without schizophrenia a primary effect of the disease state or a secondary effect of antipsychotics?
Conclusion
Haloperidol affects DNA methylation states in the brain and other tissues, suggesting a role for antipsychotic drugs in the observed disparity in methylation content in male subjects with schizophrenia.
Supporting Evidence
- Haloperidol treatment decreased mC content in male rat leukocytes.
- Haloperidol treatment increased mC content in female rat leukocytes.
- Significant decrease in mC content in the brain of female rats treated with haloperidol.
- Haloperidol treatment resulted in increased mC content in the liver for both sexes.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a drug called haloperidol changes DNA in rats, finding that it affects how DNA is marked in different ways for male and female rats.
Methodology
Rats were given daily injections of haloperidol or a placebo for 21 days, and their DNA methylation was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the limited sample size and the specific model used (rats) which may not fully represent human conditions.
Limitations
The study used a limited number of rats and could not demonstrate a causative effect of haloperidol on hypomethylation in male patients with schizophrenia.
Participant Demographics
40 male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website