The effect of chlorpromazine pretreatment on renal function and pathology in kidneys damaged by warm ischaemia

The influence of chlorpromazine pretreatment on kidney function and survival after temporary occlusion of the renal artery was investigated. Three hours of clamping of the renal artery and contralateral nephrectomy was performed in a group of ten rabbits pretreated with 3.5 mg/kg chlorpromazine and compared with a previously published control group of untreated animals. Chlorpromazine pretreatment improved survival. The kidney function, estimated by serum-creatinine, showed an earlier onset of function and the surviving animals regained nearly normal function. Histological examination revealed mild to moderate ischaemic changes, whereas the control group showed more profound damages.