Effect of prolonged trifluoperazine, imipramine and haloperidol administration on serum cholesterol. An experimental study in rabbits.

As a result of prolonged intragastric administration of trifluoperazine (TFZ) and imipramine in rabbits, a significant rise in serum cholesterol was observed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Haloperidol was ineffective. Hypercholesterolemia produced by TFZ was not associated with increased estriol excretion in urine. Histochemical examination of aorta of TFZ-treated animals showed positive 'Schultz's reaction' for cholesterol, suggesting a possible causal relationship between TFZ-induced hypercholesterolemia and atherogenesis.