Clomiphene citrate can mimic the augmentative (positive) but not the depressing (negative) effect of estradiol on the LHRH-stimulated release of LH and FSH by the pituitary gland of the long-term ovariectomized rat.

In the long-term ovariectomized rat, both estradiol benzoate (EB) and clomiphene citrate enhance the release of LH induced by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). EB also enhances the release of FSH. In rats pretreated with LHRH, EB strongly depresses the LHRH-induced LH/FSH release, but clomiphene enhances this release, regardless of the presence of EB.