The effect of L-dopa and clomiphene citrate on peripheral plasma levels of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor.

Response of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LRF) and gonadotropin levels to orally administered L-dopa and clomiphene citrate were measured in 13 healthy female volunteers. Testing was carried out during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The results indicated a suggestive but statistically nonsignificant elevation of peripheral plasma LRF following L-dopa administration but no response following clomiphene ingestion. No acute increase in gonadotropin levels was demonstrated in either group. A low but statistically significant positive correlation was found between luteinizing hormone and LRF values determined from the same samples.