Lee-Boot effect

The Lee–Boot effect is a phenomenon concerning the suppression or prolongation of oestrous cycles of mature mice (and other rodents), when females are housed in groups and isolated from males. It is caused by the effects of an oestrogen-dependent pheromone, released via the urine, that acts on the vomeronasal organ of recipients. This pheromone lowers the concentration of luteinizing hormone and elevates prolactin levels, synchronising or stopping the recipient’s cycle. 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. Removing the vomeronasal organ of recipients causes an ineffective response – indicating that the cues are purely chemosensory in nature.

If they are exposed to the odor of a male the cycles begin again and this is known as the Whitten effect.