The adrenocortical secretion in schizophrenics during chlorpromazine treatment

33 cases of schizophrenia received normal food and no premedication. After a clinical improvement which showed itself 3--6 weeks after the beginning of the chlorpromazine treatment, the 17-ketosteroids, the 17-ketogenic steroids and also the electrolytes were dertermined in the blood serum, the erythrocytes and the urine. 12 schizophrenics each received 25 mg of ACTH for three days puring the maximum chlorpromazine dosage. The separate results of examination were tabulated. The final results showed a restriction in the steroid synthesis, an increase in the excretion of potassium through the kidneys along with a decrease in the excretion of sodium. There was an appreciable drop in the sodium potassium concentration in the erythrocytes. It can be assumed that there is a connection between the variations in the membrane permeability to electrolytes and pharmacogenic dyskinesia.