An effect of administering clomiphene citrate is expected to be increased -A. GnRH secretion B. testosterone secretion C. maturation of epididymides D. development of seminal vesicles
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. GnRH secretion
Clomiphene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is commonly used to treat infertility in both men and women. In females, it induces ovulation, and in males, it is sometimes used to treat low testosterone levels and improve fertility. The main effect of clomiphene citrate is that it interferes with the normal feedback inhibition of estrogen on the hypothalamus.
Clomiphene binds to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, preventing natural estrogen from exerting its negative feedback effect. This leads the hypothalamus to interpret the body’s estrogen levels as being lower than they actually are. In response, the hypothalamus increases the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce and release more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Increased levels of LH and FSH are critical for reproductive function. In females, LH and FSH promote follicular development and trigger ovulation. In males, these hormones stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone and support spermatogenesis.
Although clomiphene indirectly leads to increased testosterone production in men, the initial and direct pharmacological effect is to increase GnRH secretion by blocking estrogen’s action at the hypothalamic level. This makes option A the most accurate and direct answer.
Options B, C, and D describe downstream effects that can result from increased LH and FSH, especially in males. Testosterone secretion (option B), maturation of the epididymides (option C), and development of seminal vesicles (option D) are all influenced by increased levels of androgens like testosterone, but these are not the first effect of clomiphene citrate. The initial trigger in the sequence of events is increased GnRH secretion.