Induction of estrus in grouped female mice (Mus domesticus) by synthetic analogues of preputial gland constituents

Two major volatile constituents of the male mouse preputial gland, E,E-alph a-farnesene and E-beta-farnesene, were examined for their role in inducing estrous cycles in grouped female mice. The results indicated that the mixtu re of the farnesenes was as effective as the homogenate of the intact prepu tial gland, while the extract of the castrate preputial tissue did not show a pronounced response.