Clozapine induced neutrophil cytotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The study was carried out to understand the pathogenesis of hematological dyscrasias and cytotoxicity following administration of both purified and commercially available form of Clozapine in an animal model. METHODS: The Albino Sprague Dawley rats (n=30) with an average weight of 180g were taken and divided into three groups. Haematological parameters including haemoglobin, haematocrit, RBC and differential counts, absolute indices, Red cell Distribution Width (RDW) and morphological features of RBCs by peripheral blood smear were performed by standard laboratory methods. Additionally Serum Iron Concentration (SIC), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) (Roche Ltd.) and the serum ferritin level (Randox Ltd.) were also determined in each group. All statistical analysis was performed using graph pad prism. RESULTS: Clozapine induced neutrophil toxicity was manifested in both experimental groups, with condensation and subsequent breakdown of chromatin material. CONCLUSION: Our data, raised concerns about haematological safety and the potential mechanisms of neutrophil cytotoxicity related to the use of this drug.

Hemoglobinopathies among five major ethnic groups in Karachi, Pakistan.

A brief survey of abnormal hemoglobin variants among the major ethnic groups of Karachi was conducted; 202,600 subjects were studied. Patients with low hemoglobin (Hb), low mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) including anemia, microcytosis, hypochromic hemolysis and target cells, were refered for the identification of hemoglobinopathy by molecular methods. Population screening showed that 60% had iron-deficiency anemia and 40% had hemolytic anemia, of which 20.6% was due to beta-thalassemia major, 13% beta-thalassemia trait, 5.1% sickle cell disease, 0.76% hemoglobin D Punjab (HbD Punjab), 0.32% hemoglobin C (HbC), and 0.22% hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH).