Effect of chlorpromazine and biliary drainage on portal blood flow and mitochondrial function during extrahepatic cholestasis.

The present study examines the effect of chlorpromazine and biliary drainage in cholestatic rats. The time course of portal blood flow was studied 24, 48, and 72 h and seven days after bile duct ligation. Portal blood flow decreased after 72 h. Chlorpromazine reduced biliary hydrostatic pressure in sham-operated control rats, but 24-h obstruction was sufficient to prevent this effect in cholestatic rats. The drug ameliorated the mitochondrial and cell membrane function of cholestatic rats before and after drainage. The data present further support for the role of ischemia in cholestasis.