No evidence for a direct effect of clozapine on fat-cell formation and production of leptin and other fat-cell-derived factors

Administration of the atypical neuroleptic drug clozapine is frequently associated with weight gain and metabolic disturbances. The underlying mechanisms are currently unknown. Here, the authors studied possible peripheral actions of clozapine on cultured human fat cells. No evidence was found for an effect of this drug on fat cell development, glucose transport, lipolysis and production of leptin and other secretory products arguing against a direct action of clozapine in human adipose tissue.