EFFECTS OF CLOMIPHENE CITRATE ON VAGINAL EPITHELIUM OF OVARIECTOMIZEDRATS

Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy have been used to st udy changes to the vaginal epithelium induced by exogenous hormones an d clomiphene citrate (CC) administered to ovariectomised rats. Oestrog en (E2) administration resulted in epithelial cell proliferation and k eratinisation. The administration of the E2/anti-E2 CC also resulted i n the stimulation of cell proliferation, but not to the extent produce d by E2. Lack of keratinisation, a decreased number of epithelial laye rs and decreased epithelial height were viewed as non-oestrogenic, or retarded oestrogenic, effects of CC. Modifications to the surface of v aginal luminal cells were also apparent following CC treatment. Cell a pices were raised and separated by prominent borders; the surface cove ring consisted of short bulb-tipped microvilli that clumped together t o form rosettes. Individual, elongated microvilli were also evident. T he results of this study indicate that CC has retarded oestrogenic act ions, as well as a unique ability to alter cell and surface morphology to produce characteristics dissimilar to those seen after treatment w ith E2 and progesterone.