Lee–Boot effect explained

The Lee–Boot effect is a phenomenon concerning the suppression or prolongation of oestrous cycles of mature female mice (and other rodents), when females are housed in groups and isolated from males.^{[1] [2]} It is caused by the effects of an estrogen-dependent pheromone, possibly 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, which is released via the urine and acts on the vomeronasal organ of recipients.^{[3] [4]} This pheromone lowers the concentration of luteinizing hormone and elevates prolactin levels, synchronising or stopping the recipient's cycle.^[5] This effect goes some way to explain why spontaneous pseudopregnancy can occur in mice. The same response is invoked from isolated females when brought into contact with urine-soaked bedding from other females' cages. The adrenal glands are required for production of the urine pheromone which is responsible for this effect.^[6]

See also

• Menstrual synchrony
• Whitten effect

Notes and References

1. Spontaneous Pseudopregnancy in Mice. Lee. S. van der. Boot. L.M. Acta Physiol. Pharmacol.. Neer.. 5. 213. 1956. 213–215 . 13402502 .
2. Web site: Mouse Husbandry, Breeding and Development: Pheromone Effects. Transgenic Mouse Facility, University of California.
3. Book: Carlson. Neil R.. Physiology of behavior. limited. 2013. Pearson. Boston. 978-0205239399. 335. 11th.
4. Petrulis . Aras . Chemosignals, Hormones and Mammalian Reproduction . Hormones and Behavior . May 2013 . 65 . 5 . 723–41 . 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.03.011 . 23545474. 3667964 .
5. Jemiolo. Bozena. Novotny. Milos. 1994-03-01. Inhibition of sexual maturation in juvenile female and male mice by a chemosignal of female origin. Physiology & Behavior. 55. 3. 519–522. 10.1016/0031-9384(94)90110-4. 8190771. 28082749. 0031-9384.
6. Ma W, Miao Z, Novotny MV. Role of the adrenal gland and adrenal-mediated chemosignals in suppression of estrus in the house mouse: the Lee-Boot effect revisited.. Biol Reprod. 1998. 59. 6. 1317–20. 9828173. 10.1095/biolreprod59.6.1317.