EFFECTS OF COMBINED CLOMIPHENE CITRATE AND EXOGENOUS ESTROGEN OR PROGESTERONE ON THE VAGINAL EPITHELIUM OF OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

The interactive effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) and exogenous oestr ogen (E(2)) or progesterone (P-4), on the vaginal epithelium of ovarie ctomised rats were examined using scanning electron microscopy and lig ht microscopy. Results we compared with P(4)E(2) treatment. Statistica l analysis showed no significant difference between the two combinatio n CC treatment groups had the ability to stimulate a dormant epitheliu m and cause surface modifications in the form of individually elongate d microvilli and rosette formations. The results of this study indicat e that while P-4 enhances the oestrogenicity of CC, there is no cumula tive oestrogenic effect when E(2) and CC are combined, but there is mo dification of cell surface organisation and evidence of anti-oestrogen ic activity.