Haloperidol-induced changes in glutathione and energy metabolism: effect of nicergoline

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of nicergoline, a semisynthetic ergot derivative, on the biochemical changes observed during chronic treatment with haloperidol in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Chronic treatment with haloperidol induced a significant decrease in the cellular glutathione (GSH) content in selected areas of the brain (cerebellum, striatum and cortex) and in the liver. Prolonged nicergoline administration was able to antagonize the haloperidol-induced GSH decrease, maintaining the GSH concentration at levels comparable to those observed in the control group. Analysis of the energy charge revealed changes similar to those observed for GSH: haloperidol induced a significant decrease in ATP and energy charge that was completely reversed by repeated nicergoline administration. In conclusion, chronic treatment with the classical antipsychotic haloperidol induces profound biochemical changes in the brain and in the liver. Nicergoline treatment is able to counteract the haloperidol-induced decrease in GSH levels and energy charge, suggesting a potential role of the drug in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced side effects.