A MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF CHLORPROMAZINE (LARGACTIL) TREATED AXOLOTL LARVAE.
In previous publications (Eyal-Giladi & Eyal, 1962; Eyal & Eyal-Giladi, 1963) some of the macroscopic effects produced by chlorpromazine (CPZ) on the development and growth rate of Axolotl embryos have been reported. They include different abnormalities (microcephaly, defects in eyes, gills and pigmentation) depending on the CPZ concentration used and the length of the immersion period. In addition, larvae subjected to high CPZ concentrations and longer time of treatment proved, at the time of fixation, to be smaller than the controls, whereas larvae treated by low CPZ concentrations tended to grow bigger than the controls.

The teratogenic effect and the influence on growth being established, a microscopic examination of the same material was undertaken.

Three experimental series were run, each starting with a different initial developmental stage (Harrison's stages 10–11, 15–16 and 29–30 respectively). Specia's (Paris) CPZ chlorhydrate powder was dissolved in sterile tap water.
The Effect of Chlorpromazine on the Embryonic Development of the Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is a potent tranquillizer and is employed as such as an adjuvant in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Because of its anti-emetic action it is used to alleviate the nausea and vomiting associated with a variety of disease processes. The potentiating effects of CPZ on the hypnotics, sedatives, analgetics, and anaesthetics have led to its use in combination with these agents (Grollman, 1960). CPZ is known to cause, occasionally, toxic reactions as hepatitis with jaundice, hypoplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis, ataxia, and dermatitis (Bernhard et al , 1955; Cares et al , 1957; Hall et al , 1956). Malformations of the offspring resulting from the use of CPZ during human pregnancy have, however, not been reported. Numerous experiments have shown the growth-retarding effect of CPZ at various developmental stages in mammals, chickens, and other organisms (Decourt, 1953; Chambon, 1955, 1956; Maki, 1958), yet the absence of malformations is generally stressed.
Effects of chlorpromazine on metabolism in central nervous system.
A constantly increasing number of clinical reports has been appearing in the literature concerned with the effectiveness of a new drug in the treatment of certain neuropsychiatric disorders. The drug, in this country, is called chlorpromazine. It has been referred to in France (where the first clinical studies were carried out) as Largactil, or 4560 R. P. 1 (Largactil is also its name in Canada). Chemically, this compound is 3-chloro-10-( γ --dimethylaminopropyl) -2-phenothiazine hydrochloride. It has a number of interesting pharmacological properties, which recently have been described (publications of the Rhone-Poulenc Special Research Laboratories and the Smith, Kline & French Laboratories). The clinical reports * agree in large measure that chlorpromazine appears to be useful in "the management of anxiety, agitation and manic states in psychoneurotic and in psychotic patients." It has been beneficial in a variety of conditions presenting a picture of psychomotor excitement, and Winkelman 3 has concluded that