THE EFFECT OF PROMETHAZINE AND CLOMIPHENE ON GONADOTROPHIN SECRETION IN THE RAT

Abstract

SUMMARY Promethazine and promethazine sulphoxide selectively inhibited gonadotrophin secretion in female rats. The effects obtained were: decrease in ovarian weight, reduction in the number of follicles and corpora lutea in the ovary, prolongation of the oestrous cycle and reduced amounts of gonadotrophin-releasing factors in the hypothalamus. Very small doses of clomiphene citrate (1–100 ng/kg) increased gonadotrophin secretion in female rats, as shown by an increase in ovarian weight, increase in the number of corpora lutea, shortening of the oestrous cycle and increased amounts of gonadotrophin-releasing factors in the hypothalamus. Higher doses of clomiphene citrate (1 μg—2 mg/kg) produced the well-known inhibition of gonadotrophin secretion. The possible mechanism of action of these drugs is discussed.