1-Iodo-2 methylundecane [1I2MU]: an estrogen-dependent urinary sex pheromone of female mice

Abstract

In our previous investigations, urine of female mice contained specific compounds, namely isocroctylhydrazine, 4-methyl-2-heptanone, and azulene during proestrus, whereas during estrus it contained 1-H-cyclopop.e.azulene, caryophyllene, and copanene. Furthermore, 1-iodo-2 methyl undecane (1I2MU), present during both proestrus and estrus, was regarded as a putative estrus-specific chemo-signal. The primary objective of the present study was to determine the estrogen-dependency of the above-mentioned compounds, including 1I2MU. Furthermore, the effect of these compounds on pre-mating behavior, e.g., sniffing, licking, and grooming, were recorded to determine their role as sex pheromones. Based on gas chromatography linked mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of urine samples, profiles in oophorectomized female mice had 14 major peaks. Furthermore, neither 1I2MU (nor other estrus-specific compounds) were detected in the urine of these mice, although they were detected in urine of proestrus and estrus mice. In addition, 1I2MU was not detected in urine of prepubertal mice. It was noteworthy that both 1I2MU and 4-methyl-2-heptanone reappeared in estrogen-treated females. Based on pre-mating behavioral analysis, 1I2MU was the compound most preferred by males. In conclusion, production of 1I2MU was estrogen-dependent in females, and it enhanced reproductive activities in males.