Horm Metab Res 2001; 33(11): 653-658
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18692
Innovative Methods
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Enzyme Immunoassay of 17β-Estradiol, Estrone Conjugates, and Testosterone in Urinary and Fecal Samples from Male and Female Mice

C. Muir 1, 2 , E. Spironello-Vella 1 , N. Pisani 1 , D. deCatanzaro 1
  • 1 Department of Psychology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • 2 Department of Immunology, CIDtech Research, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 December 2001 (online)

ELISA measures of 17β-estradiol, estrone conjugates, and testosterone were adapted for fecal and urinary samples from laboratory mice. We will report on validations of these assays and data from interacting males and females. Unconjugated gonadal steroids were consistently measurable in urine and feces of both males and females. Females that were parturient following insemination excreted relatively low levels of urinary testosterone compared to non-parturient females. The results are consistent with evidence that elevated androgens and estrogens are incompatible with intrauterine implantation of fertilized ova, and suggest that steroids in male urine could contribute to pheromonal action. These methods permit repeated noninvasive measurement of steroid activity in this species.

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Denys deCatanzaro

Department of Psychology
McMaster University

Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1
Canada


Email: decatanz@mcmaster.ca