Enzyme immunoassay of 17 beta-estradiol, estrone conjugates, and testosterone in urinary and fecal samples from male and female mice.

ELISA measures of 17 beta-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.