Effects of clomiphene citrate on early pregnancy in guinea-pigs

J Reprod Fertil. 1991 May;92(1):65-73. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0920065.

Abstract

Clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg body wt) given on the day of mating can block or interrupt pregnancy in guinea-pigs. Corpus luteum function, uterine histology, implantation and embryo development were studied in clomiphene-treated and control animals on Days 5, 9 and 20 of pregnancy. Following treatment, only 25% of the females were regularly pregnant, presenting large and healthy foetuses. The other females examined showed either pregnancy with embryos undergoing resorption or no sign of pregnancy. In these females, corpus luteum size was reduced, progesterone concentrations were very low and the endometrial glands and the epithelium were often altered. It is concluded that clomiphene causes a reduction in fertility by altering the uterus and, by directly or indirectly inducing luteolysis, causes later pregnancy loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clomiphene / toxicity*
  • Corpus Luteum / cytology
  • Corpus Luteum / drug effects
  • Embryo Loss / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Infertility, Female / chemically induced
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Animal / drug effects*
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Time Factors
  • Uterus / anatomy & histology

Substances

  • Clomiphene
  • Progesterone