Stimulation of Gonadotrophin Secretion in the Chick

The drug, l-(p-2-diethylaminoethoxyphenyl)- l-phenyl-2-p-methoxyphenol ethanol (MER-25), has been reported to be an estrogen antagonist and to have no androgenic or gonadotrophic properties. Under our experimental conditions, we failed to find evidence for antagonism of endogenous estrogens when the drug was administered to brown Leghorn pullets. Significant gonadal stimulation and comb growth were observed in treated pullets and cockerels, but no comb growth was observed in treated capons. Pituitaries from MER-treated pullets caused significant testicular hypertrophy when assayed on baby chicks. It was concluded that MER-25 stimulated the production of endogenous gonadotrophic hormones.(Endocrinology77: 756, 1965)