Oviductal isthmus light microscopic changes induced by clomiphene citrate in albino rats

Introduction Clomiphene citrate (CC) therapy for cases of infertility has been linked to increased incidence of tubal ectopic pregnancy. Aim of the work This study aimed to investigate the histological changes produced by CC in the isthmus portion of albino rat oviducts. Materials and methods Twenty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups. The first was the control group. The second group received 1 mg/kg/day CC for 4 days, whereas the third group was allowed a recovery period after receiving CC. The oviductal isthmus sections were stained by H E, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), and caspase for light microscopic examinations. An image analyzer was used and the measured data were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results The CC intake led to increased thickness of the oviductal isthmus lining epithelium, as well as to hyperplasia, bridging, and reduction of the lumen diameter. Furthermore, many degenerative and apoptotic changes as well as significant increase in the PAS optical density and caspase reaction area percentage of the lining epithelium were detected. Also, the isthmic sections of the recovery group revealed increased wall thickness, epithelial degenerative changes, and hyperplasia, in addition to significant reduction in the lumen diameter leading to tubal obstruction. Significant increase in the PAS optical density of the lining epithelium was detected, but its caspase reaction area percentage showed insignificant change compared with the control group sections. Conclusion This study suggests that CC administration for 4 days at a dose of 1 mg/kg/ day induces damage to the albino rat oviductal isthmus that could predispose to occurrence of ectopic pregnancy and that progressively developed despite stoppage of the drug.