Effect of haloperidol on phospholipid biosynthesis in rat brain

Haloperidol, a butyrophenone used in the treatment of various psychoses has been clinically used and studied extensively. At the molecular level it is known to preferentially block D2 type of dopamine receptors but its other effects are unknown. We studied the effect of this drug on phospholipid biosynthesis in vitro by following incorporation of 32P into individual classes of phospholipids. It was observed that haloperidol inhibits the biosynthesis of almost all major phospholipids including phosphatidyl inositol at fairly low concentrations. It cannot be concluded from the present experiment which step the inhibition may be taking place but acyl transfer reaction is likely to be involved because the drug effects almost all the phospholipids. It is suggested that long-term use of the drug can effect the organization of synaptic membrane.