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Rojas V, Labra A, Valdés JL, Velásquez NA. Females of the four-eyed frog, Pleurodema thaul (Anura, Leptodactylidae), respond behaviourally to conspecific male scent. HERPETOZOA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among amphibians, conspecific chemical communication has been widely studied in Caudata. Adult anurans, by contrast, have received less attention. Recently, it was shown that chemical scents are also relevant for adult anuran intraspecific communication. In this context, we evaluate whether females of the four-eyed frog (Pleurodema thaul) respond to conspecific male scents. We carried out a double choice experiment in a Y-maze. Females were repeatedly presented with the scents of several males versus distilled water. To extract the scent from males, we acoustically stimulated males and then used the water from their aquaria for the experiments. Our data suggest that females are capable of responding behaviourally to male scents, since they spent longer periods in the zones with male scent, rather than in zones with water. We propose that under natural breeding conditions, females of P. thaul may use either their chemical sense or chemical cues to facilitate their encounters with males.
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2
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Ballard KR, Klein AH, Hayes RA, Wang T, Cummins SF. The protein and volatile components of trail mucus in the Common Garden Snail, Cornu aspersum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251565. [PMID: 34043643 PMCID: PMC8158898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Common or Brown Garden Snail, Cornu aspersum, is an invasive land snail that has successfully colonized a diverse range of global environments. Like other invasive land snails, it is a significant pest of a variety of agricultural crops, including citrus, grapes and canola. Cornu aspersum secretes a mucus trail when mobile that facilitates locomotion. The involvement of the trail in conspecific chemical communication has also been postulated. Our study found that anterior tentacle contact with conspecific mucus elicited a significant increase in heart rate from 46.9 to 51 beats per minute. In order to gain a better understanding of the constituents of the trail mucus and the role it may play in snail communication, the protein and volatile components of mucus trails were investigated. Using two different protein extraction methods, mass spectrometry analysis yielded 175 different proteins, 29 of which had no significant similarity to any entries in the non-redundant protein sequence database. Of the mucus proteins, 22 contain features consistent with secreted proteins, including a perlucin-like protein. The eight most abundant volatiles detected using gas chromatography were recorded (including propanoic acid and limonene) and their potential role as putative pheromones are discussed. In summary, this study has provided an avenue for further research pertaining to the role of trail mucus in snail communication and provides a useful repository for land snail trail mucus components. This may be utilized for further research regarding snail attraction and dispersal, which may be applied in the fields of agriculture, ecology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylene R. Ballard
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne H. Klein
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard A. Hayes
- Forest Industries Research Centre, Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott F. Cummins
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Tang Z, Chen Y, Ren B, Wang X, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Immunoreactivities of AR, ERα, ERβ and aromatase in the nuptial pad of Chinese brown frog (<em>Rana dybowskii</em>) during pre-hibernation and the breeding period. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 33845566 PMCID: PMC8056327 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a prominent local raised pad called nuptial pad on the forelimb of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii), which is hypothetically concluded as an enhancement of the grip and a spreader of pheromone during the amplexus. In this study, we investigated the immunolocalization and protein expression levels of androgen receptors (AR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), ERβ and aromatase in the nuptial pad of R. dybowskii during pre-hibernation and the breeding period. Histologically, the annual development of the nuptial pad in R. dybowskii is manifested as the larger area of specialized mucous gland and the longer length of papillary epidermal projection during the breeding period. AR, ERα, ERβ and aromatase are present in the stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale and the secretory portion of specialized mucous glands during both periods. Western blotting results confirmed that AR, ERα and ERβ protein levels are higher during pre-hibernation than those during the breeding season. These results suggest that nuptial pad is the direct target organ of androgen and estrogen. Androgen may participate in the regulation of annual development and glandular function of nuptial pad, and estrogen may play an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine role during pre-hibernation and the breeding period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Tang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yuan Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Baolong Ren
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Xi Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
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4
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Woodley SK, Staub NL. Pheromonal communication in urodelan amphibians. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:327-345. [PMID: 33427952 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pheromonal communication is an ancient and pervasive sensory modality in urodelan amphibians. One family of salamander pheromones (the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) family) originated 300 million years ago, at the origin of amphibians. Although salamanders are often thought of as relatively simple animals especially when compared to mammals, the pheromonal systems are varied and complex with nuanced effects on behavior. Here, we review the function and evolution of pheromonal signals involved in male-female reproductive interactions. After describing common themes of salamander pheromonal communication, we describe what is known about the rich diversity of pheromonal communication in each salamander family. Several pheromones have been described, ranging from simple, invariant molecules to complex, variable blends of pheromones. While some pheromones elicit overt behavioral responses, others have more nuanced effects. Pheromonal signals have diversified within salamander lineages and have experienced rapid evolution. Once receptors have been matched to pheromonal ligands, rapid advance can be made to better understand the olfactory detection and processing of salamander pheromones. In particular, a large number of salamander species deliver pheromones across the skin of females, perhaps reflecting a novel mode of pheromonal communication. At the end of our review, we list some of the many intriguing unanswered questions. We hope that this review will inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue work in this rewarding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 99203, USA
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5
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Chapman TL, Spivey KL, Lundergan JM, Schmitz AL, Bast DL, Sehr EK, Gall BG. Only fear the fatal foe: predation risk assessment by eastern newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) in response to common snapping turtles and other potential predators. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2015.1137358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor L. Chapman
- Department of Biology, East Tennessee State University, 325 Treasure Lane, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Kari L. Spivey
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Derek L. Bast
- Department of Biology, Hanover College, 517 Ball Drive, Hanover, IN, USA
| | - Evie K. Sehr
- Department of Biology, Hanover College, 517 Ball Drive, Hanover, IN, USA
| | - Brian G. Gall
- Department of Biology, Hanover College, 517 Ball Drive, Hanover, IN, USA
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6
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Woodley S. Chemosignals, hormones, and amphibian reproduction. Horm Behav 2015; 68:3-13. [PMID: 24945995 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Chemosignals and Reproduction". Amphibians are often thought of as relatively simple animals especially when compared to mammals. Yet the chemosignaling systems used by amphibians are varied and complex. Amphibian chemosignals are particularly important in reproduction, in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Chemosignaling is most evident in salamanders and newts, but increasing evidence indicates that chemical communication facilitates reproduction in frogs and toads as well. Reproductive hormones shape the production, dissemination, detection, and responsiveness to chemosignals. A large variety of chemosignals have been identified, ranging from simple, invariant chemosignals to complex, variable blends of chemosignals. Although some chemosignals elicit straightforward responses, others have relatively subtle effects. Review of amphibian chemosignaling reveals a number of issues to be resolved, including: 1) the significance of the complex, individually variable blends of courtship chemosignals found in some salamanders, 2) the behavioral and/or physiological functions of chemosignals found in anuran "breeding glands", 3) the ligands for amphibian V2Rs, especially V2Rs expressed in the main olfactory epithelium, and 4) the mechanism whereby transdermal delivery of chemosignals influences behavior. To date, only a handful of the more than 7000 species of amphibians has been examined. Further study of amphibians should provide additional insight to the role of chemosignals in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
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7
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Mayerl C, Baeckens S, Van Damme R. Evolution and role of the follicular epidermal gland system in non-ophidian squamates. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-00002995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many lizard and amphisbaenian lineages possess follicular glands in the dermis of the inner thighs and/or the area anterior to the cloaca. These tubular glands produce a holocrine secretion that finds its way to the external world through pore-bearing scales (femoral and/or preanal pores). Secretions are composed of proteins and many lipophilic compounds that may function as chemosignals in lizard and amphisbaenian communication. In recent years, we have begun to develop an understanding of the adaptive significance of these secretions, and they are currently thought to play an important role in a variety of processes in these animals. While it appears that epidermal gland secretions function in intra- and interspecific recognition and territoriality, research has focused largely on their role in mate assessment. Despite these recent studies, our knowledge on the true role of the chemicals found in epidermal secretions remains poorly studied, and there are many possible avenues for future research on this topic. Here, we review the literature on the follicular epidermal glands of non-ophidian squamates and provide a first taxon-wide overview of their distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mayerl
- Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson SC, 29634, USA
| | - Simon Baeckens
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Universiteitsplein 1 – C, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Raoul Van Damme
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Universiteitsplein 1 – C, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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8
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The anuran vocal sac: a tool for multimodal signalling. Anim Behav 2014; 97:281-288. [PMID: 25389375 PMCID: PMC4222773 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although in anurans the predominant mode of intra- and intersexual communication is vocalization, modalities used in addition to or instead of acoustic signals range from seismic and visual to chemical. In some cases, signals of more than one modality are produced through or by the anuran vocal sac. However, its role beyond acoustics has been neglected for some time and nonacoustic cues such as vocal sac movement have traditionally been seen as an epiphenomenon of sound production. The diversity in vocal sac coloration and shape found in different species is striking and recently its visual properties have been given a more important role in signalling. Chemosignals seem to be the dominant communication mode in newts, salamanders and caecilians and certainly play a role in the aquatic life phase of anurans, but airborne chemical signalling has received less attention. There is, however, increasing evidence that at least some terrestrial anuran species integrate acoustic, visual and chemical cues in species recognition and mate choice and a few secondarily mute anuran species seem to fully rely on volatile chemical cues produced in glands on the vocal sac. Within vertebrates, frogs in particular are suitable organisms for investigating multimodal communication by means of experiments, since they are tolerant of disturbance by observers and can be easily manipulated under natural conditions. Thus, the anuran vocal sac might be of great interest not only to herpetologists, but also to behavioural biologists studying communication systems. Our view of anuran communication has changed drastically during the last few decades. Anurans use diverse communication strategies often directly related to the vocal sac. Distinctive vocal sac shapes, sizes and colours suggest functional diversity. Evidence increases that the vocal sac also plays a role in chemical signalling. The anuran vocal sac may be of great interest for studies on communication systems.
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9
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10
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Wyatt T. Introduction to Chemical Signaling in Vertebrates and Invertebrates. Front Neurosci 2014. [DOI: 10.1201/b16511-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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11
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Iwata T, Nakada T, Toyoda F, Yada T, Shioda S, Kikuyama S. Responsiveness of vomeronasal cells to a newt peptide pheromone, sodefrin as monitored by changes of intracellular calcium concentrations. Peptides 2013; 45:15-21. [PMID: 23619348 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A peptide pheromone of the red-bellied male newt, sodefrin was tested for its ability to increase intracellular concentrations of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) in the dissociated vomeronasal (VN) cells of females by means of calcium imaging system. The pheromone elicited a marked elevation of [Ca(2+)]i in a small population of VN cells from sexually developed females. The population of cells exhibiting sodefrin-induced elevation of [Ca(2+)]i increased concentration-dependently. A pheromone of a different species was ineffective in this respect. The VN cells from non-reproductive females or from reproductive males scarcely responded to sodefrin in terms of elevating [Ca(2+)]i. In the cells from hypophysectomized and ovariectomized females, the sodefrin-inducible increase of [Ca(2+)]i never occurred. The cells from the operated newts supplemented with prolactin and estradiol exhibited [Ca(2+)]i responses to sodefrin with a high incidence. Thus, sex- and hormone-dependency as well as species-specificity of the responsiveness of the VN cells to sodefrin was evidenced at the cellular level. Subsequently, possibility of involvement of phospholipase C (PLC)-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and/or PLC-diacylglycerol (DAG)-protein kinase C (PKC) pathways in increasing [Ca(2+)]i in VN cells in response to sodefrin was explored using pharmacological approaches. The results indicated that PLC is involved in generating the Ca(2+) signal in all sodefrin-responsive VN cells, whereas IP3 in approximately 50% of the cells and DAG-PKC in the remaining cells. In the latter case, the increase of [Ca(2+)]i was postulated to be induced by the influx of Ca(2+) through the L-type channel. The significance of the finding is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Iwata
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
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12
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Treer D, Van Bocxlaer I, Matthijs S, Du Four D, Janssenswillen S, Willaert B, Bossuyt F. Love is blind: indiscriminate female mating responses to male courtship pheromones in newts (Salamandridae). PLoS One 2013; 8:e56538. [PMID: 23457580 PMCID: PMC3574087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal fertilization without copulation or prolonged physical contact is a rare reproductive mode among vertebrates. In many newts (Salamandridae), the male deposits a spermatophore on the substrate in the water, which the female subsequently takes up with her cloaca. Because such an insemination requires intense coordination of both sexes, male newts have evolved a courtship display, essentially consisting of sending pheromones under water by tail-fanning towards their potential partner. Behavioral experiments until now mostly focused on an attractant function, i.e. showing that olfactory cues are able to bring both sexes together. However, since males start their display only after an initial contact phase, courtship pheromones are expected to have an alternative function. Here we developed a series of intraspecific and interspecific two-female experiments with alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) females, comparing behavior in male courtship water and control water. We show that male olfactory cues emitted during tail-fanning are pheromones that can induce all typical features of natural female mating behavior. Interestingly, females exposed to male pheromones of their own species show indiscriminate mating responses to conspecific and heterospecific females, indicating that visual cues are subordinate to olfactory cues during courtship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag Treer
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ines Van Bocxlaer
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Severine Matthijs
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Du Four
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Bert Willaert
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franky Bossuyt
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Nehring V, Wyatt TD, d’Ettorre P. Noise in Chemical Communication. ANIMAL SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-41494-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Osikowski A. Asymmetric female preferences for courtship pheromones in two closely-related newt species, the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and the Carpathian newt (L. montandoni) (Salamandridae). Zoolog Sci 2012; 29:390-5. [PMID: 22639810 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.29.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The smooth (Lissotriton vulgaris) and Carpathian (L. montandoni) newts are sister species. These are separated by a moderate genetic distance, but exhibit striking morphological differences, especially in male epigamic traits. In the areas where they co-occur, they readily mate with each other and produce viable hybrids. However, a high level of pre-zygotic isolation with an unknown behavioral basis has been reported. The complex courtship of newts consists of at least three types of modality: chemical, visual, and tactile. The relative significance of these in mate choice is unclear, but it is commonly accepted that pheromones are an important communication channel. The goal of this study was to determine whether the females of L. vulgaris and L. montandoni exhibit preferences for conspecific extracts from the pheromone-producing abdominal (dorsal) glands. Females of both species spent more time in proximity to the source of the abdominal gland extracts of their own species when a liver extract was presented as an alternative. In a second trial, females were simultaneously confronted with conspecific and heterospecific abdominal gland extracts. Asymmetric preferences were found. Lissotriton vulgaris females were not selective, whereas L. montandoni females preferred the conspecific abdominal gland extract. This finding is consistent with the results of earlier experiments on mate choice in these species. The results strongly indicate that pheromones play a crucial role in courtship and species recognition in this pair of closely related, hybridizing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Osikowski
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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15
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Cummins SF, Bowie JH. Pheromones, attractants and other chemical cues of aquatic organisms and amphibians. Nat Prod Rep 2012; 29:642-58. [DOI: 10.1039/c2np00102k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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16
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Khannoon ER, El-Gendy A, Hardege JD. Scent marking pheromones in lizards: cholesterol and long chain alcohols elicit avoidance and aggression in male Acanthodactylus boskianus (Squamata: Lacertidae). CHEMOECOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-011-0076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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New compounds, sexual differences, and age-related variations in the femoral gland secretions of the lacertid lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Pheromonal communication in amphibians. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2010; 196:713-27. [PMID: 20526605 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-010-0540-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pheromonal communication is widespread in salamanders and newts and may also be important in some frogs and toads. Several amphibian pheromones have been behaviorally, biochemically and molecularly identified. These pheromones are typically peptides or proteins. Study of pheromone evolution in plethodontid salamanders has revealed that courtship pheromones have been subject to continual evolutionary change, perhaps as a result of co-evolution between the pheromonal ligand and its receptor. Pheromones are detected by the vomeronasal organ and main olfactory epithelium. Chemosensory neurons express vomeronasal receptors or olfactory receptors. Frogs have relatively large numbers of vomeronasal receptors that are transcribed in both the vomeronasal organ and the main olfactory epithelium. Salamander vomeronasal receptors apparently are restricted to the vomeronasal organ. To date, no chemosensory ligands have been matched to vomeronasal receptors or olfactory receptors so it is unknown whether particular receptor types are (1) specialized for detection of pheromones versus other chemosignals, or (2) specialized for detection of volatile, nonvolatile, or water-borne chemosignals. Despite progress in understanding amphibian pheromonal communication, only a small fraction of amphibian species have been examined. Study of additional species of amphibians will indicate which traits related to pheromonal communication are evolutionarily conserved and which traits have diverged over time.
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Denoël M, Doellen J. Displaying in the dark: light-dependent alternative mating tactics in the Alpine newt. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-0933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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20
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Artur O, Wiesław B, Paweł G, Jacek M S. Multiple sex pheromone genes are expressed in the abdominal glands of the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and Montandon's Newt (L. montandoni) (Salamandridae). Zoolog Sci 2008; 25:587-92. [PMID: 18624569 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.25.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The smooth newt (Lissotriton "Triturus" vulgaris) and Montandon's newt (L."T." montandoni) are sister species exhibiting pronounced differences in male secondary sexual traits but nevertheless hybridizing and producing fertile hybrids in nature. Since pheromonal communication is an important aspect of the reproductive biology of urodeles, structural differentiation of peptide pheromones and their receptors may contribute to incipient reproductive isolation. The aim of the study was the identification of genes encoding putative courtship pheromone precursors in two newt species and the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships among them. Our analyses were based on cDNA obtained from the transcripts from the abdominal glands of male newts. We identified five unique cDNA sequences encoding the putative pheromone precursors in L. vulgaris and three additional unique sequences in L. montandoni. The results indicate that in the abdominal glands of Lissotriton newts more than one pheromone-encoding gene is expressed and that these loci form a gene family. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the divergence of at least some of these genes predates the radiation of European newts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osikowski Artur
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Touhara K. Sexual communication via peptide and protein pheromones. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2008; 8:759-64. [PMID: 18824132 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 08/28/2008] [Accepted: 09/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pheromones are specific substances utilized by various organisms for intraspecific communication about sex, strain, or species. Although pheromones in terrestrial animals tend to be volatile airborne chemicals, large non-volatile molecules such as peptides and proteins are also utilized for sociosexual communication. Peptide pheromones are recognized by specific receptors expressed in the vertebrate vomeronasal organ that comprises a unique chemosensory system. The information is sent to the hypothalamic area wherein the signal is further integrated, leading to various pheromonal outputs. In this review, current knowledge on the structure and function of peptide and protein pheromones in vertebrates as well as the mechanisms underlying receptor-mediated signal processing will be summarized. The present review will also discuss why, from chemical and ecological points of view, peptide pheromones evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Touhara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan.
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22
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Serrano RM, Barata EN, Birkett MA, Hubbard PC, Guerreiro PS, Canário AVM. Behavioral and olfactory responses of female Salaria pavo (Pisces: Blenniidae) to a putative multi-component male pheromone. J Chem Ecol 2008; 34:647-58. [PMID: 18398655 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-008-9466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The peacock blenny, Salaria pavo (Risso 1810), typically breeds in rocky shores of the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic coast. Males defend a territory around a hole or cavity wherein females deposit eggs that the male guards until hatching. A pair of exocrine glands on the anal fin (anal glands) of males produces a putative pheromone involved in attraction of reproductively competent females to the nest. We used behavioral assays to assess species-specific attraction of reproductively competent females to putative male pheromones, including the anal gland pheromone. Additionally, chromatographic fractions of anal glands and male-conditioned water were tested for olfactory potency in females by electro-olfactogram analysis (EOG). In a flow-through tank or fluviarium, reproductive females were attracted to male-conditioned water and to the anal gland macerate from conspecifics but not to those of a closely related heterospecific. In addition, attraction of reproductive females to conspecific anal gland macerate occurred only during their initial upstream movement in the fluviarium; this was an ephemeral response when compared with the response to male-conditioned water that attracted females throughout the entire period of observation (5 min). Reproductive females also were attracted during the entire period of observation to water-conditioned by conspecific males whose anal glands had been removed. However, the attraction was more variable than that to water conditioned by intact males. Moreover, females were not attracted to male (without anal glands) odor during their initial upstream movement in the fluviarium. Finally, non-reproductive females were not attracted to the conspecific anal gland macerate. The EOG responses of females to molecular weight fractions and solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography fractions of anal gland macerates and male-conditioned water (with and without anal glands) suggest that the anal glands release hydrophilic odorants that consist mainly of molecules smaller than 500 Da. Furthermore, males released potent odorants that do not originate from the anal glands. We hypothesize that females respond to a multi-component male pheromone to find mates. The putative anal gland pheromone is possibly comprised of hydrophilic odorants, whereas the other component(s), presumably of gonadal origin, may be less water-soluble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui M Serrano
- CCMAR-CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Pukala TL, Bowie JH, Maselli VM, Musgrave IF, Tyler MJ. Host-defence peptides from the glandular secretions of amphibians: structure and activity. Nat Prod Rep 2006; 23:368-93. [PMID: 16741585 DOI: 10.1039/b512118n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
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Boehm T, Zufall F. MHC peptides and the sensory evaluation of genotype. Trends Neurosci 2005; 29:100-7. [PMID: 16337283 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2005] [Revised: 10/05/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Social interactions, such as finding and identifying a mate, often rely on the ability to sense molecular cues carrying information about genetic relationship and individuality. We summarize recent evidence for an unexpected mechanistic link between the immune and olfactory systems in enabling this identification process. In addition to their established role in the immune response, peptide ligands of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules constitute a previously unknown family of social recognition signals detected by specific subsets of sensory neurons in the mammalian nose. This sensing of MHC peptides can be viewed as a form of functional genome analysis by the nose. Behavioral studies in mice and fish show that MHC peptides are accepted as olfactory cues that influence mate choice decisions and selective pregnancy failure. These findings provide a molecular mechanism by which an individual can sense the composition and compatibility of vital immune system molecules of a conspecific, with direct consequences for social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Boehm
- Department of Developmental Immunology, Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany.
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