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Wang W, Ge J, Zhang Y, Zhang J. The male's scent triggered a neural response in females despite ambiguous behavioral response in Asian house rats. Integr Zool 2024; 19:694-709. [PMID: 37804522 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Pheromones and olfactory communication play vital roles in sex recognition and mate choice in rodents. Asian house rats (Rattus tanezumi) (RT) often startle easily, making behavioral measurements difficult to carry out accurately in the laboratory. Here, the behavioral and olfactory preferences of the female RT between males and females were not observed using a conventional two-choice device; we then explored the neuro-immunohistochemical evidence in the brains of RT females. We found that male urine elicited significantly higher c-fos expression in the accessory olfactory system and sex-related brain regions in females than female urine did. On the other hand, the differences of volatile compounds and major urinary proteins (MUPs) in both voided urine and preputial glands (PGs) of the RT were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We found that PG-derived 1-(4,5-dihydro-2-thiazolyl)-ethanone and total MUPs were more abundant in males versus females, suggesting these sexually divergent components might activate the female's accessory olfactory system. In conclusion, the neuro-immunohistochemical evidence indicated that potential sex pheromones might exist in RT; however, the strength of the chemical signal might be too weak to cause behavioral responses in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingru Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Alves Soares T, Caspers BA, Loos HM. Volatile organic compounds in preen oil and feathers - a review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1085-1099. [PMID: 38303487 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
For a long time birds were assumed to be anosmic or at best microsmatic, with olfaction a poorly understood and seldom investigated part of avian physiology. The full viability of avian olfaction was first discovered through its functions in navigation and foraging. Subsequently, researchers have investigated the role of olfaction in different social and non-social contexts, including reproduction, kin recognition, predator avoidance, navigation and foraging. In parallel to the recognition of the importance of olfaction for avian social behaviour, there have been advances in the techniques and methods available for the sampling and analysis of trace volatiles and odourants, leading to insights into the chemistry underlying chemical communication in birds. This review provides (i) an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the volatile chemical composition of preen oil and feathers, its phylogenetic coverage, chemical signatures and their potential functions, and (ii) a discussion of current methods used for the isolation and detection of volatiles. Finally, lines for future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Alves Soares
- Chair of Aroma and Smell Research, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Henkestraße 9, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Barbara A Caspers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
- Joint Institute for Individualisation in a Changing Environment (JICE), University of Münster and Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Helene M Loos
- Chair of Aroma and Smell Research, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Henkestraße 9, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Giggenhauser Straße 35, Freising, 85354, Germany
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3
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Khotskina AS, Zavjalov EL, Shnayder EP, Gerlinskaya LA, Maslennikova SO, Petrovskii DV, Baldin MN, Makas AL, Gruznov VM, Troshkov ML, Moshkin MP. CD-1 mice females recognize male reproductive success via volatile organic compounds in urine. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2023; 27:480-487. [PMID: 37808218 PMCID: PMC10551948 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-23-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection is considered as one of the leading factors of evolutionary development. In the conditions of incessant competition, specialized methods of attracting individuals of the opposite sex as well as criteria for assessing the quality of a sexual partner have been formed. In order for animals to rely on signaling from sexual partners, the signal must reflect the morpho-physiological status of animals. A high reproductive efficiency of male mice is a good advantage for mate selection and thus must be somehow demonstrated to potential mates. The aim of our study was to find out if male mice could demonstrate their reproductive efficiency through urine volatile organic compounds. The experiment implies cohabiting one male with two mature females for 6 days. The reproductive success of the male was assessed by the presence or absence of pregnant females. At the same time, naive females, who did not participate in reproduction, assessed the urine of the successful males as more attractive, which was expressed in shorter Latency time of sniffs in the Olfactory test. Using a rapid headspace GC/MS analysis, we have found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in male urine that correlated with female behavior. It turned out that these substances are derivatives of mouse pheromone 6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-heptanone. The amplitude of peaks corresponding to this pheromone correlated with the testosterone level in blood and the weight of preputial glands. The amplitude of peaks increased in males after mating with whom the females turned out to be pregnant. It is important to note that body weight, weight of testes, weight of seminal vesicles, weight of preputial glands, and plasma testosterone level alone are not reliable indicators of male reproductive success. Thus, the content of the pheromone 6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-heptanone in the urine of males can serve as a good predictor of the quality of the male as a sexual partner for female CD-1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Khotskina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E L Zavjalov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E P Shnayder
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - L A Gerlinskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - S O Maslennikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D V Petrovskii
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M N Baldin
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A L Makas
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V M Gruznov
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M L Troshkov
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M P Moshkin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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4
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Zala SM, Church B, Potts WK, Knauer F, Penn DJ. Female scent accelerates growth of juvenile male mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7371. [PMID: 37147391 PMCID: PMC10163255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposing female house mice (Mus musculus) to male urinary scent accelerates their sexual development (Vandenbergh effect). Here, we tested whether exposing juvenile male mice to females' urine similarly influences male growth and size of their sexual organs. We exposed three-week old male house mice to female urine or water (control) for ca. three months. We found that female-exposed males grew significantly faster and gained more body mass than controls, despite all males being reared on a controlled diet, but we detected no differences in males' muscle mass or sexual organs. In contrast, exposing juvenile males to male urine had no effect their growth. We tested whether the males' accelerated growth imposed functional trade-offs on males' immune resistance to an experimental infection. We challenged the same male subjects with an avirulent bacterial pathogen (Salmonella enterica), but found no evidence that faster growth impacted their bacterial clearance, body mass or survival during infection compared to controls. Our results provide the first evidence to our knowledge that juvenile male mice accelerate their growth when exposed to the urine of adult females, though we found no evidence that increased growth had negative trade-offs on immune resistance to infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Zala
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1a, 1160, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Brian Church
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Wayne K Potts
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Felix Knauer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dustin J Penn
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1a, 1160, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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Infection with Cryptosporidium parvum Affects Secondary Sexual Characteristics of Male Mice by Altering the Pheromone Content in Preputial Gland. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040756. [PMID: 36830543 PMCID: PMC9952591 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The olfactory acuity of female mice allows them to discriminate the urinary odors of males. Parasitic infection can reduce the odor attractiveness of male mice to females and result in female aversion or avoidance responses in odor selection. However, the chemical signaling changes in the pheromone contents produced by the foreskin gland were not fully revealed after parasitic infection. Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) is a common zoonotic intestinal parasite and has a wide range of hosts, including human, domestic animals, and wild animals. In this study, we immunosuppressed ICR/CD-1 male mice by dexamethasone sodium phosphate treatment. After C. parvum infection, physiological indexes such as body weight and organ weight were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the gene expression level of MUP (major urinary protein) in liver and urine were significantly down-regulated, which could be the reason for the decrease in urine attractiveness to females. GC-MS was performed to analyze the changes in the pheromone produced by the preputial gland before and after parasitic infection, and the results indicated that the levels of different pheromones were significantly reduced after parasitic infection. In summary, this study reveals that C. parvum infection damages the secondary sexual characteristics of male ICR/CD-1 male mice and decreases the pheromone content produced by the foreskin gland.
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Arakawa H, Higuchi Y. Exocrine scent marking: Coordinative role of arginine vasopressin in the systemic regulation of social signaling behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104597. [PMID: 35248677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophysial hormone that coordinatively regulates central socio-emotional behavior and peripheral control of antidiuretic fluid homeostasis. Most mammals, including rodents, utilize exocrine or urine-contained scent marking as a social signaling tool that facilitates social adaptation. The exocrine scent marking behavior is postulated to fine-tune sensory and cognitive abilities to recognize key social features via exocrine/urinary olfactory cues and subsequently control exocrine deposition or urinary marking through the mediation of osmotic fluid balance. AVP is implicated as a major player in controlling both recognition and signaling responses. This review provides constructive hypotheses on the coordinative processes of the AVP neurohypophysial circuits in the systemic regulations of fluid control and social-communicative behavior, via the expression of exocrine scent marking, and further emphasizes a potential role of AVP in a common mechanism underlying social communication in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Depertment of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Yuki Higuchi
- Depertment of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan
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Jiang Y, Han X, Feng N, Jin W, Zhang T, Zhang M, Shi M, Zhang B, Liu S, Hu D. Androgen plays an important role in regulating the synthesis of pheromone in the scent gland of muskrat. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 217:106026. [PMID: 34808361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.106026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The scent (musk) gland is an organ unique to muskrats and other scent-secreting animals, and the pheromones (musk) synthesized and secreted by the scent gland play a role in chemical communication among scent-secreting animals. The musk gland is synchronized with testicular developmental changes; however, little is known regarding androgen secretion from the testis and how this regulates pheromone synthesis and the secretion of scent. To investigate the effect of androgens on the synthesis of pheromones in the musk gland, we established a muskrat castration model by surgical removal of the testis, and analyzed the histomorphology, hormone concentration, gene expression, and changes in the chemical composition of the musk gland in castration and control groups by histomorphological analysis, Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Histomorphological analysis results showed that after castration, muskrat gland cells underwent significant atrophy (P < 0.05). Hormone measurement results showed that there was a significant decrease in serum testosterone and muskrat musk testosterone (P < 0.05) after muskrat castration. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that 510 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were mainly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, fatty acid degradation, PPAR signaling pathway, and fatty acid biosynthesis. GCMS results showed that macrocyclic ketones, steroids, fatty acids, alcohols, and esters in musk were significantly changed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, androgens were found to play an important function in the chemical communication exchange between muskrats through regulating pheromone synthesis in musk cells. This study provides a basis for understanding the mechanism of animal communication influenced by androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlin Jiang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Han
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Nuannuan Feng
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijiang Jin
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Meishan Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghui Shi
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofeng Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqiang Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
| | - Defu Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
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Comparison of the Homology Between Muskrat Scented Gland and Mouse Preputial Gland. J MAMM EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-022-09604-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Zha X, Xu XH. Neural circuit mechanisms that govern inter-male attack in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7289-7307. [PMID: 34687319 PMCID: PMC11072497 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals of many species fight with conspecifics to gain access to or defend critical resources essential for survival and reproduction. Such intraspecific fighting is evolutionarily selected for in a species-, sex-, and environment-dependent manner when the value of resources secured exceeds the cost of fighting. One such example is males fighting for chances to mate with females. Recent advances in new tools open up ways to dissect the detailed neural circuit mechanisms that govern intraspecific, particularly inter-male, aggression in the model organism Mus musculus (house mouse). By targeting and functional manipulating genetically defined populations of neurons and their projections, these studies reveal a core neural circuit that controls the display of reactive male-male attacks in mice, from sensory detection to decision making and action selection. Here, we summarize these critical results. We then describe various modulatory inputs that route into the core circuit to afford state-dependent and top-down modulation of inter-male attacks. While reviewing these exciting developments, we note that how the inter-male attack circuit converges or diverges with neural circuits that mediate other forms of social interactions remain not fully understood. Finally, we emphasize the importance of combining circuit, pharmacological, and genetic analysis when studying the neural control of aggression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zha
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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Greville LJ, Tam AG, Faure PA. Evaluating odour and urinary sex preferences in the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory cues provide detailed information to mammals regarding conspecifics. Bats may identify species, colony membership, and individuals using olfaction. Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1796)) live in mixed-sex colonies and must differentiate between sexes to locate mates. We hypothesized that odour cues convey information about sex. In experiment 1, adult E. fuscus were recorded exploring a Y-maze that contained general body odours sampled from male or female conspecifics. One group of subjects was habituated to the Y-maze prior to experimental trials, whereas a second group was not. Bat exploration and the proportion of time spent near each scent were used as preference indicators for the body odour of a particular sex. Experiment 2 followed similar procedures except the odour cue tested was urine from either male or female conspecifics and without Y-maze habituation. Results found no evidence that E. fuscus prefer the body odours of a given sex, but females did prefer the odour of male urine. Non-habituated animals in experiment 1 were more likely to explore the Y-maze and approach a stimulus scent compared with habituated bats. These findings have important implications for courtship and mating behaviour in bats, as well for designing future behavioural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas J.S. Greville
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Audrey G. Tam
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Paul A. Faure
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Tang J, Poirier AC, Duytschaever G, Moreira LAA, Nevo O, Melin AD. Assessing urinary odours across the oestrous cycle in a mouse model using portable and benchtop gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210172. [PMID: 34540244 PMCID: PMC8411304 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
For female mammals, communicating the timing of ovulation is essential for reproduction. Olfactory communication via volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can play a key role. We investigated urinary VOCs across the oestrous cycle using laboratory mice. We assessed the oestrous stage through daily vaginal cytology and analysed urinary VOCs using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), testing a portable GC-MS against a benchtop system. We detected 65 VOCs from 40 samples stored in VOC traps and analysed on a benchtop GC-MS, and 15 VOCs from 90 samples extracted by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analysed on a portable GC-MS. Only three compounds were found in common between the two techniques. Urine collected from the fertile stages of the oestrous cycle had increased quantities of a few notable VOCs compared with urine from non-fertile stages. These VOCs may be indicators of fertility. However, we did not find significant differences in chemical composition among oestrous stages. It is possible that changes in VOC abundance were too small to be detected by our analytical methods. Overall, the use of VOC traps combined with benchtop GC-MS was the more successful of the two methods, yet portable GC-MS systems may still have utility for some in situ applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Tang
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Alice C. Poirier
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Gwen Duytschaever
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Laís A. A. Moreira
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Omer Nevo
- German Centre of Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Amanda D. Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
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Bansal R, Nagel M, Stopkova R, Sofer Y, Kimchi T, Stopka P, Spehr M, Ben-Shaul Y. Do all mice smell the same? Chemosensory cues from inbred and wild mouse strains elicit stereotypic sensory representations in the accessory olfactory bulb. BMC Biol 2021; 19:133. [PMID: 34182994 PMCID: PMC8240315 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For many animals, chemosensory cues are vital for social and defensive interactions and are primarily detected and processed by the vomeronasal system (VNS). These cues are often inherently associated with ethological meaning, leading to stereotyped behaviors. Thus, one would expect consistent representation of these stimuli across different individuals. However, individuals may express different arrays of vomeronasal sensory receptors and may vary in the pattern of connections between those receptors and projection neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). In the first part of this study, we address the ability of individuals to form consistent representations despite these potential sources of variability. The second part of our study is motivated by the fact that the majority of research on VNS physiology involves the use of stimuli derived from inbred animals. Yet, it is unclear whether neuronal representations of inbred-derived stimuli are similar to those of more ethologically relevant wild-derived stimuli. Results First, we compared sensory representations to inbred, wild-derived, and wild urine stimuli in the AOBs of males from two distinct inbred strains, using them as proxies for individuals. We found a remarkable similarity in stimulus representations across the two strains. Next, we compared AOB neuronal responses to inbred, wild-derived, and wild stimuli, again using male inbred mice as subjects. Employing various measures of neuronal activity, we show that wild-derived and wild stimuli elicit responses that are broadly similar to those from inbred stimuli: they are not considerably stronger or weaker, they show similar levels of sexual dimorphism, and when examining population-level activity, cluster with inbred mouse stimuli. Conclusions Despite strain-specific differences and apparently random connectivity, the AOB can maintain stereotypic sensory representations for broad stimulus categories, providing a substrate for common stereotypical behaviors. In addition, despite many generations of inbreeding, AOB representations capture the key ethological features (i.e., species and sex) of wild-derived and wild counterparts. Beyond these broad similarities, representations of stimuli from wild mice are nevertheless distinct from those elicited by inbred mouse stimuli, suggesting that laboratory inbreeding has indeed resulted in marked modifications of urinary secretions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01064-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Bansal
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maximilian Nagel
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Romana Stopkova
- BIOCEV group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yizhak Sofer
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Pavel Stopka
- BIOCEV group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yoram Ben-Shaul
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Chen AX, Yan JJ, Zhang W, Wang L, Yu ZX, Ding XJ, Wang DY, Zhang M, Zhang YL, Song N, Jiao ZL, Xu C, Zhu SJ, Xu XH. Specific Hypothalamic Neurons Required for Sensing Conspecific Male Cues Relevant to Inter-male Aggression. Neuron 2020; 108:763-774.e6. [PMID: 32961129 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamus regulates innate social interactions, but how hypothalamic neurons transduce sex-related sensory signals emitted by conspecifics to trigger appropriate behaviors remains unclear. Here, we addressed this issue by identifying specific hypothalamic neurons required for sensing conspecific male cues relevant to inter-male aggression. By in vivo recording of neuronal activities in behaving mice, we showed that neurons expressing dopamine transporter (DAT+) in the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv) of the hypothalamus responded to male urine cues in a vomeronasal organ (VNO)-dependent manner in naive males. Retrograde trans-synaptic tracing further revealed a specific group of neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) that convey male-relevant signals from VNO to PMv. Inhibition of PMvDAT+ neurons abolished the preference for male urine cues and reduced inter-male attacks, while activation of these neurons promoted urine marking and aggression. Thus, PMvDAT+ neurons exemplify a hypothalamic node that transforms sex-related chemo-signals into recognition and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Xiao Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zi-Xian Yu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Ding
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dan-Yang Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yan-Li Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Nan Song
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhuo-Lei Jiao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chun Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shu-Jia Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China.
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Identification and Field Testing of Volatile Components in the Sex Attractant Pheromone Blend of Female House Mice. J Chem Ecol 2018; 45:18-27. [PMID: 30411204 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-1032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Recently, it was reported (i) that the sex pheromone blend of male house mice, Mus musculus, comprises not only volatile components (3,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin; 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole) but also a component of low volatility (the sex steroid testosterone), and (ii) that the sex steroids progesterone and estradiol are sex pheromone components of female house mice. Here we tested the hypothesis that the sex attractant pheromone blend of female mice, analogous to that of male mice, also comprises volatile pheromone components. Analyzing by GC-MS the head space volatiles of bedding soiled with urine and feces of laboratory-kept females and males revealed three candidate pheromone components (CPCs) that were adult female-specific: butyric acid, 2-methyl butyric acid and 4-heptanone. In a two-choice laboratory experiment, adult males spent significantly more time in the treatment chamber baited with both the synthetic steroids (progesterone, estradiol) and the synthetic CPCs than in the paired control chamber baited only with the synthetic steroids. In field experiments, trap boxes baited with both the CPCs and the steroids captured 6.7-times more adult males and 4.7-times more juvenile males than trap boxes baited with the steroids alone. Conversely, trap boxes baited with both the CPCs and the steroids captured 4.3-times more adult males and 2.7-fold fewer adult females than trap boxes baited with the CPCs alone. In combination, these data support the conclusion that butyric acid, 2-methyl butyric acid and 4-heptanone are part of the sex attractant pheromone of female house mice. With progesterone and estradiol being pheromone components of both female brown rats, Rattus norvegicus, and female house mice, these three volatile components could impart specificity to the sexual communication system of house mice, brown rats and possibly other rodent species.
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Le Moëne O, Ågmo A. The neuroendocrinology of sexual attraction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 51:46-67. [PMID: 29288076 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sexual attraction has two components: Emission of sexually attractive stimuli and responsiveness to these stimuli. In rodents, olfactory stimuli are necessary but not sufficient for attraction. We argue that body odors are far superior to odors from excreta (urine, feces) as sexual attractants. Body odors are produced by sebaceous glands all over the body surface and in specialized glands. In primates, visual stimuli, for example the sexual skin, are more important than olfactory. The role of gonadal hormones for the production of and responsiveness to odorants is well established. Both the androgen and the estrogen receptor α are important in male as well as in female rodents. Also in primates, gonadal hormones are necessary for the responsiveness to sexual attractants. In males, the androgen receptor is sufficient for sustaining responsiveness. In female non-human primates, estrogens are needed, whereas androgens seem to contribute to responsiveness in women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway.
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Rajamanickam R, Shanmugam A, Thangavel R, Devaraj S, Soundararajan K, Ponnirul P, Ramalingam R, Ganesan RV, Parasuraman P, Govindaraju A. Localization of α 2u-globulin in the acinar cells of preputial gland, and confirmation of its binding with farnesol, a putative pheromone, in field rat (Millardia meltada). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197287. [PMID: 29856754 PMCID: PMC5983455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheromones, low molecular weight chemical entities that bind to pheromone carrier proteins, are chemical signals that play an important role in the communication system in animals. This has been rather fairly well-studied in the rodents. The preputial gland, a rich source of pheromones in many rodents, contains a low molecular mass protein (18–20 kDa) that acts as one such pheromone carrier. However, the presence of this protein in the notorious rodent pest Millardia meltada has not yet been proven. Therefore, we aimed at identifying this protein, and the pheromones that are bound to it, in this rodent so as to utilize the information in the control of this pest. Twenty volatile compounds were identified in the preputial gland using GC-MS. Total protein of the gland was fractioned by both one and two-dimensional electrophoresis when we identified a low molecular mass protein (19 kDa, pI-4.7). Adopting MALDI-TOF MS and LC-MS analyses, the protein was confirmed as α 2u-globulin. To identify the volatiles bound to this protein, we used column chromatography and GC-MS. We found that farnesol and 6-methyl-1-heptanol are the volatiles that would bind to the protein, which we propose to be putative pheromones. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed localization of α 2u-globulin in the acinar cells of the preputial gland. Thus, we show that α 2u-globulin, a pheromone-carrier protein, is present in the preputial gland acinar cells of M. meltada and suggest farnesol and 6-methyl-1-heptanol to be the volatiles which would bind to it. The α 2u-globulin together with farnesol and 6-methyl-1-heptanol contribute to pheromonal communication of M. meltada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Rajamanickam
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Achiraman Shanmugam
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
- * E-mail: (AS); (PP); (AG)
| | - Rajagopal Thangavel
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology and Microbiology, Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sankarganesh Devaraj
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Ponmanickam Ponnirul
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
- Department of Zoology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rajkumar Ramalingam
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
- Nuclear Dynamics and Architecture Lab, Institute of Medical Biology-IMB, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramya Vaideki Ganesan
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology and Microbiology, Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Padmanabhan Parasuraman
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (AS); (PP); (AG)
| | - Archunan Govindaraju
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
- * E-mail: (AS); (PP); (AG)
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17
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Sreng L, Temime-Roussel B, Wortham H, Mourre C. Chemical Identification of "Maternal Signature Odors" in Rat. Chem Senses 2017; 42:211-222. [PMID: 28007788 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjw124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn altricial mammals need just after birth to locate their mother's nipples for suckling. In this precocious behavior, including for the human baby, maternal odor via the olfactory process plays a major role. Maternal odor emitted by lactating females or by amniotic fluid (AF) attracts pups, but the chemical identity of this attractant has not yet been elucidated. Here, using behavioral tests and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, we show that AF extracts from rat pregnant female, nipples, ventral skin, milk, and nest extracts of mother contained 3-6 active substances. AF extracts contained 3 active compounds: ethylbenzene, benzaldehyde, and benzyl alcohol, and their mixture in similar proportions to those found in AF extracts, in a ratio, respectively, of 1:1:12 (700 ng), attracts pups as putative maternal attractant substances (MAS). These 3 AF substances have already been identified in milk, nipples, ventral wash, and nest extracts of mother, but not in feces. Moreover, anethole flavor incorporated in pregnant rat and mother's diet is also detected in AF, nipples, milk, and nest extracts and the pups are attracted to anethole odor, but not in the case of the no-anethole pups. MAS, combined with diet flavors present in the AF bath, represent olfactory signals as "maternal signature odors" (MSO) that are learned by fetus and pups. These findings open the way to improved understanding of the neurobiology of early olfactory learning and of the importance of evolutionarily conserved survival behavior in many mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leam Sreng
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IMBE UMR 7263 (Institut Méditerranéen de la Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale), IRD, Avignon Université, Faculté Saint Charles, 3, place Victor Hugo, Case 36 F-13331 Marseille cedex 03, France
| | - Brice Temime-Roussel
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Laboratoire de Chimie et Environnement, UMR 7376, Case 29, Faculté Saint Charles, 3, place Victor Hugo, F-13331 Marseille cedex 03, France and
| | - Henri Wortham
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Laboratoire de Chimie et Environnement, UMR 7376, Case 29, Faculté Saint Charles, 3, place Victor Hugo, F-13331 Marseille cedex 03, France and
| | - Christiane Mourre
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7291, Faculté Saint Charles, 3, place Victor Hugo, Case 36, F-13331 Marseille cedex 03, France
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18
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Liu YJ, Li LF, Zhang YH, Guo HF, Xia M, Zhang MW, Jing XY, Zhang JH, Zhang JX. Chronic Co-species Housing Mice and Rats Increased the Competitiveness of Male Mice. Chem Senses 2017; 42:247-257. [PMID: 28073837 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjw164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats are predators of mice in nature. Nevertheless, it is a common practice to house mice and rats in a same room in some laboratories. In this study, we investigated the behavioral and physiological responsively of mice in long-term co-species housing conditions. Twenty-four male mice were randomly assigned to their original raising room (control) or a rat room (co-species-housed) for more than 6 weeks. In the open-field and light-dark box tests, the behaviors of the co-species-housed mice and controls were not different. In a 2-choice test of paired urine odors [rabbit urine (as a novel odor) vs. rat urine, cat urine (as a natural predator-scent) vs. rabbit urine, and cat urine vs. rat urine], the co-species-housed mice were more ready to investigate the rat urine odor compared with the controls and may have adapted to it. In an encounter test, the rat-room-exposed mice exhibited increased aggression levels, and their urines were more attractive to females. Correspondingly, the levels of major urinary proteins were increased in the co-species-housed mouse urine, along with some volatile pheromones. The serum testosterone levels were also enhanced in the co-species-housed mice, whereas the corticosterone levels were not different. The norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-HT levels in the right hippocampus and striatum were not different between the 2. Our findings indicate that chronic co-species housing results in adaptation in male mice; furthermore, it appears that long-term rat-odor stimuli enhance the competitiveness of mice, which suggests that appropriate predator-odor stimuli may be important to the fitness of prey animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Juan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Wolong District, Nanyang 473061, Henan Province, China and.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lai-Fu Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Wolong District, Nanyang 473061, Henan Province, China and
| | - Yao-Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hui-Fen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Min Xia
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Wolong District, Nanyang 473061, Henan Province, China and
| | - Meng-Wei Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Wolong District, Nanyang 473061, Henan Province, China and
| | - Xiao-Yuan Jing
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Wolong District, Nanyang 473061, Henan Province, China and
| | - Jing-Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jian-Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
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Takács S, Gries R, Gries G. Sex Hormones Function as Sex Attractant Pheromones in House Mice and Brown Rats. Chembiochem 2017; 18:1391-1395. [PMID: 28447367 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201700224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones of mammals control the expression of sexual characteristics and bodily functions. The male hormone testosterone and the female hormones progesterone and estradiol are known to occur in urine markings of mice. Here, we show that all three hormones are also present in urine of brown rats, and that they are effective sexual communication signals (pheromones) that elicit attraction behavior of prospective mates in both brown rats and house mice. When added as lures to trap boxes in field experiments, synthetic testosterone, for example, increased captures of adult female mice 15-fold, and a blend of progesterone and estradiol increased captures of male mice eightfold and male rats 13-fold. Remarkably, these hormones increased captures even though the food- and pheromone-based baits to which they were added had previously been shown to be superior to current commercial rodent attractants. We predict that these sex hormones will function as sex attractant pheromones in diverse taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Takács
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Regine Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Gerhard Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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20
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Quantitative inheritance of volatile pheromones and darcin and their interaction in olfactory preferences of female mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2094. [PMID: 28522864 PMCID: PMC5437034 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02259-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined how urine-borne volatile compounds (UVCs) and darcin of male mice are inherited from parents and interact to modulate the olfactory preferences of females using two inbred strains of mice, C57Bl/6 (C57) and BALB/c (BALB), and their reciprocal hybrids (BC = BALB♀× C57♂; CB = C57♀ × BALB♂). Chemical analysis revealed that the UVCs of C57BL/6 males were quantitatively distinguishable from those of BALB/c males. Darcin was detected in C57 urine, but not in BALB urine. The levels of UVCs and darcin in both BC and CB were intermediate between those of C57 and BALB. Behaviourally, C57 females consistently preferred BALB male urine over C57 or CB males despite that there are trace amounts of darcin in BALB urine. However, the preference for BALB urine disappeared in contact two-choice tests of BALB vs. BC pairs, and restored when recombinant darcin was added to BALB male urine. Our results suggested that both UVCs and darcin in male mice are quantitatively inherited and interact to affect the olfactory preferences of females.
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21
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Effect of Male House Mouse Pheromone Components on Behavioral Responses of Mice in Laboratory and Field Experiments. J Chem Ecol 2017; 43:215-224. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0819-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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22
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Wanlong Z, Fangyan Y, Zhengkun W. Study of chemical communication based on urine in tree shrews Tupaia belangeri (Mammalia: Scandentia: Tupaiidae). THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2017.1391340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Wanlong
- Key Laboratory of Adaptive Evolution and Ecological Conservation on Plants and Animals in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University , Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y. Fangyan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptive Evolution and Ecological Conservation on Plants and Animals in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University , Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - W. Zhengkun
- Key Laboratory of Adaptive Evolution and Ecological Conservation on Plants and Animals in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University , Kunming, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Kwak J, Jackson M, Faranda A, Osada K, Tashiro T, Mori K, Quan Y, Voznessenskaya VV, Preti G. On the persistence of mouse urine odour to human observers: a review. FLAVOUR FRAG J 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ffj.3316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Kwak
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
- Monell Chemical Senses Center; 3500 Market Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Marcus Jackson
- Monell Chemical Senses Center; 3500 Market Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Adam Faranda
- Monell Chemical Senses Center; 3500 Market Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Kazumi Osada
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Physiology, School of Dentistry; Health Sciences University of Hokkaido; Ishikari-Tobetsu Hokkaido 061-0293 Japan
| | - Takuya Tashiro
- Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms; RIKEN Research Cluster for Innovation; Hirosawa 2-1, Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Kenji Mori
- Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms; RIKEN Research Cluster for Innovation; Hirosawa 2-1, Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Ying Quan
- Suzhou Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety; Changshu Institute of Technology; 99 Nansanhuan Road Changshu 215500 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Vera V. Voznessenskaya
- A.N. Severtzov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS; 33 Leninski Prospect Moscow 119071 Russia
| | - George Preti
- Monell Chemical Senses Center; 3500 Market Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
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24
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Cross-Fostering of Male Mice Subtly Affects Female Olfactory Preferences. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146662. [PMID: 26756471 PMCID: PMC4710493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal environment has been shown to influence female olfactory preferences through early chemosensory experience. However, little is known about the influence of the maternal environment on chemosignals. In this study, we used two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6 (C57) and BALB/c (BALB), and explored whether adoption could alter male chemosignals and thus influence female olfactory preferences. In Experiment 1, C57 pups were placed with BALB dams. Adult BALB females then served as the subjects in binary choice tests between paired male urine odours (BALB vs. C57, BALB vs. adopted C57 and C57 vs. adopted C57). In Experiment 2, BALB pups were placed with C57 dams, and C57 females served as the subjects in binary choice tests between paired male urine odours (C57 vs. BALB, C57 vs. adopted BALB, and BALB vs. adopted BALB). In both experiments, we found that females preferred the urine of males from different genetic backgrounds, suggesting that female olfactory preferences may be driven by genetic compatibility. Cross-fostering had subtle effects on female olfactory preferences. Although the females showed no preference between the urine odours of adopted and non-adopted males of the other strain, the BALB females preferred the urine odour of BALB males to that of adopted C57 males, whereas the C57 females showed no preference between the urine odour of C57 and adopted BALB males. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and stepwise discriminant analysis, we found that the ratios of volatile chemicals from urine and preputial gland secretions were altered in the fostered male mice; these changes may have resulted in the behavioural changes observed in the females. Overall, the results suggest that female mice prefer urine odours from males with different genetic backgrounds; this preference may be driven by genetic compatibility. The early maternal environment influences the chemosignals of males and thus may influence the olfactory preferences of females. Our study provides additional evidence in support of genotype-dependent maternal influences on phenotypic variability in adulthood.
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Cheng Z, Yue L, Zhao W, Yang X, Shu G. Protective effects of protostemonine on LPS/GalN-induced acute liver failure: Roles of increased hepatic expression of heme oxygenase-1. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 29:798-807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ben-Shaul Y. Extracting Social Information from Chemosensory Cues: Consideration of Several Scenarios and Their Functional Implications. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:439. [PMID: 26635515 PMCID: PMC4653286 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Across all sensory modalities, stimuli can vary along multiple dimensions. Efficient extraction of information requires sensitivity to those stimulus dimensions that provide behaviorally relevant information. To derive social information from chemosensory cues, sensory systems must embed information about the relationships between behaviorally relevant traits of individuals and the distributions of the chemical cues that are informative about these traits. In simple cases, the mere presence of one particular compound is sufficient to guide appropriate behavior. However, more generally, chemosensory information is conveyed via relative levels of multiple chemical cues, in non-trivial ways. The computations and networks needed to derive information from multi-molecule stimuli are distinct from those required by single molecule cues. Our current knowledge about how socially relevant information is encoded by chemical blends, and how it is extracted by chemosensory systems is very limited. This manuscript explores several scenarios and the neuronal computations required to identify them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoram Ben-Shaul
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Medical School Jerusalem, Israel
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Zhang YH, Zhang JX. A male pheromone-mediated trade-off between female preferences for genetic compatibility and sexual attractiveness in rats. Front Zool 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/s12983-014-0073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Nordéus K, Webster B, Söderquist L, Båge R, Glinwood R. Cycle-characteristic odour of cow urine can be detected by the female face fly (Musca autumnalis). Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:903-8. [PMID: 25244510 PMCID: PMC4260169 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to declining dairy cow fertility rates, there is great interest in developing tools for oestrus detection. Compounds in the volatile profile of oestrous cows are suggested as oestrus-specific, but consistent results have not been presented. Certain haematophagous arthropods can discriminate stages of the mammalian reproductive cycle based on host volatiles. This study investigated whether the face fly, Musca autumnalis de Geer (Diptera: Muscidae), can discriminate between urine from cows in oestrus and urine collected during the luteal phase. Individual flies were tested in a two-choice behavioural assay with choice between odour of oestrous or luteal urine and water (control). Flies chose the control arm significantly more when exposed to oestrous urine than when exposed to luteal urine. Analysis of volatiles showed that 1-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) was released in greater amounts from oestrous urine than from urine collected during the luteal phase. In a dose response assay, flies were significantly attracted by 0.01 ng of 1-hexadecanol but significantly repelled by 0.1 ng, a pattern consistent with fly responses to urine. In conclusion, M. autumnalis can discriminate between oestrous and luteal urine, and this may be mediated by differences in 1-hexadecanol concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nordéus
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Carola V, Perlas E, Zonfrillo F, Soini HA, Novotny MV, Gross CT. Modulation of social behavior by the agouti pigmentation gene. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:259. [PMID: 25136298 PMCID: PMC4117936 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Agouti is a secreted neuropeptide that acts as an endogenous antagonist of melanocortin receptors. Mice and rats lacking agouti (called non-agouti) have dark fur due to a disinhibition of melanocortin signaling and pigment deposition in the hair follicle. Non-agouti animals have also been reported to exhibit altered behavior, despite no evidence for the expression of agouti outside the skin. Here we confirm that non-agouti mice show altered social behavior and uncover expression of agouti in the preputial gland, a sebaceous organ in the urinary tract that secretes molecules involved in social behavior. Non-agouti mice had enlarged preputial glands and altered levels of putative preputial pheromones and surgical removal of the gland reversed the behavioral phenotype. These findings demonstrate the existence of an autologous, out-of-skin pathway for the modulation of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Carola
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome, Italy ; Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Emerald Perlas
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Francesca Zonfrillo
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Helena A Soini
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Milos V Novotny
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Cornelius T Gross
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Monterotondo, Italy
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Low incidence of miscarriage induced by the scent of male littermates of original mates: male kinship reduces the bruce effect in female mice, Mus musculus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68673. [PMID: 23874716 PMCID: PMC3714254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The scent of a novel male can elicit pregnancy block in recently mated female mice (Mus musculus), a phenomenon known as the Bruce effect. Despite abundant literature on the Bruce effect in rodents, it remains unclear whether males related to a female’s original mate can induce the Bruce effect in out-bred, communally living mice. We investigated this question using Kunming (KM) male mice of varying genetic relatedness. Recently mated females were subjected to three treatments: exposure to the urine of the mate, urine of the mate’s male littermate, and urine of a male unrelated to the mate. It was found that the urine of male littermates of the females’ mates did not elicit more pregnancy block than that of the females’ mates. However, the urine of novel males caused a higher rate of female miscarriage than that of the females’ mates. By using a habituation-dishabituation paradigm, we found that unmated females could discriminate the urine scents of two male littermates from those of a novel male unrelated to the littermates. To understand how females use urinary cues to discriminate between males with different genetic relationships, we used gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to examine the volatile composition of urine from males with varying relatedness. It was found that KM male littermates shared similar volatile compositions in their urine. Our results suggest that male kinship reduces the Bruce effect in female KM mice, and provide additional evidence for mate choice being partly mediated by the Bruce effect in KM mice.
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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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Petrulis A. Chemosignals, hormones and mammalian reproduction. Horm Behav 2013; 63:723-41. [PMID: 23545474 PMCID: PMC3667964 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many mammalian species use chemosignals to coordinate reproduction by altering the physiology and behavior of both sexes. Chemosignals prime reproductive physiology so that individuals become sexually mature and active at times when mating is most probable and suppress it when it is not. Once in reproductive condition, odors produced and deposited by both males and females are used to find and select individuals for mating. The production, dissemination and appropriate responses to these cues are modulated heavily by organizational and activational effects of gonadal sex steroids and thereby intrinsically link chemical communication to the broader reproductive context. Many compounds have been identified as "pheromones" but very few have met the expectations of that term: a unitary, species-typical substance that is both necessary and sufficient for an experience-independent behavioral or physiological response. In contrast, most responses to chemosignals are dependent or heavily modulated by experience, either in adulthood or during development. Mechanistically, chemosignals are perceived by both main and accessory (vomeronasal) olfactory systems with the importance of each system tied strongly to the nature of the stimulus rather than to the response. In the central nervous system, the vast majority of responses to chemosignals are mediated by cortical and medial amygdala connections with hypothalamic and other forebrain structures. Despite the importance of chemosignals in mammals, many details of chemical communication differ even among closely related species and defy clear categorization. Although generating much research and public interest, strong evidence for the existence of a robust chemical communication among humans is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aras Petrulis
- Georgia State University, Neuroscience Institute, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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Osada K, Kurihara K, Izumi H, Kashiwayanagi M. Pyrazine analogues are active components of wolf urine that induce avoidance and freezing behaviours in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61753. [PMID: 23637901 PMCID: PMC3634846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The common grey wolf (Canis lupus) is found throughout the entire Northern hemisphere and preys on many kinds of mammals. The urine of the wolf contains a number of volatile constituents that can potentially be used for predator–prey chemosignalling. Although wolf urine is put to practical use to keep rabbits, rodents, deer and so on at bay, we are unaware of any prior behavioural studies or chemical analyses regarding the fear-inducing impact of wolf urine on laboratory mice. Methodology/Principal Findings Three wolf urine samples harvested at different times were used in this study. All of them induced stereotypical fear-associated behaviors (i.e., avoidance and freezing) in female mice. The levels of certain urinary volatiles varied widely among the samples. To identify the volatiles that provoked avoidance and freezing, behavioural, chemical, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. One of the urine samples (sample C) had higher levels of 2,6-dimethylpyrazine (DMP), trimethylpyrazine (TMP), and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethyl pyrazine (EDMP) compared with the other two urine samples (samples A and B). In addition, sample C induced avoidance and freezing behaviours more effectively than samples A and B. Moreover, only sample C led to pronounced expression of Fos-immunoreactive cells in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) of female mice. Freezing behaviour and Fos immunoreactivity were markedly enhanced when the mice were confronted with a mixture of purified DMP, TMP, and EDMP vs. any one pyrazine alone. Conclusions/Significance The current results suggest that wolf urinary volatiles can engender aversive and fear-related responses in mice. Pyrazine analogues were identified as the predominant active components among these volatiles to induce avoidance and freezing behaviours via stimulation of the murine AOB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Osada
- Division of Physiology, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Increased abscess formation and defective chemokine regulation in CREB transgenic mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55866. [PMID: 23405224 PMCID: PMC3566130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor implicated in growth factor-dependent cell proliferation and survival, glucose homeostasis, spermatogenesis, circadian rhythms, and synaptic plasticity associated with memory. To study the phenotype of CREB overexpression in vivo, we generated CREB transgenic (TG) mice in which a myeloid specific hMRP8 promoter drives CREB expression. CREB TG mice developed spontaneous skin abscesses more frequently than wild type (WT) mice. To understand the role of CREB in myeloid function and innate immunity, chemokine expression in bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) from CREB TG mice were compared with BMDMs from WT mice. Our results demonstrated decreased Keratinocyte-derived cytokine (KC) in CREB TG BMDMs but not TNFα protein production in response to lipid A (LPA). In addition, mRNA expression of KC and IL-1β (Interleukin)-1β was decreased in CREB TG BMDMs; however, there was no difference in the mRNA expression of TNFα, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-12p40. The mRNA expression of IL-1RA and IL-10 was decreased in response to LPA. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) expression and a subset of its target genes were upregulated in CREB TG mouse BMDMs. Although neutrophil migration was the same in both CREB TG and WT mice, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity was significantly increased in neutrophils from CREB TG mice. Taken together, CREB overexpression in myeloid cells results in increased abscess formation in vivo and aberrant cytokine and chemokine response, and neutrophil function in vitro.
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Abstract
High-precision quantitative profiling of volatile organic constituents in rodent physiological fluids and glandular secretions is needed to relate olfactory signals to physiology and behavior. Whereas capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis has become the most widely applied in such investigations, the extraction and preconcentration of volatile organics is arguably the most critical step in the overall analytical task. In this chapter, we describe technical details of two main sample extraction procedures used in our laboratory: dynamic headspace trapping, and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). They have been demonstrated here for the chromatographic analysis of mouse urine, serum, saliva, and preputial gland specimens.
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36
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McLean S, Davies NW, Wiggins NL. Scent Chemicals of the Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. J Chem Ecol 2012; 38:1318-39. [PMID: 22976591 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-012-0188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart McLean
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
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37
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Differential binding between volatile ligands and major urinary proteins due to genetic variation in mice. Physiol Behav 2012; 107:112-20. [PMID: 22728785 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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38
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Designing and creating a modularized synthetic pathway in cyanobacterium Synechocystis enables production of acetone from carbon dioxide. Metab Eng 2012; 14:394-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hellenbrand J, Biester EM, Gruber J, Hamberg M, Frentzen M. Fatty acyl-CoA reductases of birds. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2011; 12:64. [PMID: 22151413 PMCID: PMC3265415 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-12-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Birds clean and lubricate their feathers with waxes that are produced in the uropygial gland, a holocrine gland located on their back above the tail. The type and the composition of the secreted wax esters are dependent on the bird species, for instance the wax ester secretion of goose contains branched-chain fatty acids and unbranched fatty alcohols, whereas that of barn owl contains fatty acids and alcohols both of which are branched. Alcohol-forming fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FAR) catalyze the reduction of activated acyl groups to fatty alcohols that can be esterified with acyl-CoA thioesters forming wax esters. Results cDNA sequences encoding fatty acyl-CoA reductases were cloned from the uropygial glands of barn owl (Tyto alba), domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and domestic goose (Anser anser domesticus). Heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed that they encode membrane associated enzymes which catalyze a NADPH dependent reduction of acyl-CoA thioesters to fatty alcohols. By feeding studies of transgenic yeast cultures and in vitro enzyme assays with membrane fractions of transgenic yeast cells two groups of isozymes with different properties were identified, termed FAR1 and FAR2. The FAR1 group mainly synthesized 1-hexadecanol and accepted substrates in the range between 14 and 18 carbon atoms, whereas the FAR2 group preferred stearoyl-CoA and accepted substrates between 16 and 20 carbon atoms. Expression studies with tissues of domestic chicken indicated that FAR transcripts were not restricted to the uropygial gland. Conclusion The data of our study suggest that the identified and characterized avian FAR isozymes, FAR1 and FAR2, can be involved in wax ester biosynthesis and in other pathways like ether lipid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Hellenbrand
- Special Botany, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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40
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Liu D, Huang KJ, Zhang JX. Individual Recognition and Odor in Rat-Like Hamsters: Behavioral Responses and Chemical Properties. Chem Senses 2011; 36:799-810. [PMID: 21745800 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjr055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dingzhen Liu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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41
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Kwak J, Josue J, Faranda A, Opiekun MC, Preti G, Osada K, Yamazaki K, Beauchamp GK. Butylated Hydroxytoluene Is a Ligand of Urinary Proteins Derived from Female Mice. Chem Senses 2011; 36:443-52. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjr015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Flanagan KA, Webb W, Stowers L. Analysis of male pheromones that accelerate female reproductive organ development. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16660. [PMID: 21347429 PMCID: PMC3035649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Male odors can influence a female's reproductive physiology. In the mouse, the odor of male urine results in an early onset of female puberty. Several volatile and protein pheromones have previously been reported to each account for this bioactivity. Here we bioassay inbred BALB/cJ females to study pheromone-accelerated uterine growth, a developmental hallmark of puberty. We evaluate the response of wild-type and mutant mice lacking a specialized sensory transduction channel, TrpC2, and find TrpC2 function to be necessary for pheromone-mediated uterine growth. We analyze the relative effectiveness of pheromones previously identified to accelerate puberty through direct bioassay and find none to significantly accelerate uterine growth in BALB/cJ females. Complementary to this analysis, we have devised a strategy of partial purification of the uterine growth bioactivity from male urine and applied it to purify bioactivity from three different laboratory strains. The biochemical characteristics of the active fraction of all three strains are inconsistent with that of previously known pheromones. When directly analyzed, we are unable to detect previously known pheromones in urine fractions that generate uterine growth. Our analysis indicates that pheromones emitted by males to advance female puberty remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Flanagan
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - William Webb
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Lisa Stowers
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zhang YH, Zhang JX. Urine-Derived Key Volatiles May Signal Genetic Relatedness in Male Rats. Chem Senses 2010; 36:125-35. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjq103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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44
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Zhang JX. An Approach to Search for Putative Pheromones in Birds via Chemical Analysis--A Reply to Mardon J, Saunders SM, and Bonadonna F. Chem Senses 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjq099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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45
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Mucignat-Caretta C, Redaelli M, Orsetti A, Perriat-Sanguinet M, Zagotto G, Ganem G. Urinary volatile molecules vary in males of the 2 European subspecies of the house mouse and their hybrids. Chem Senses 2010; 35:647-54. [PMID: 20530376 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjq049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice recognize other mice by identifying chemicals that confer a molecular signature to urinary marks. Such molecules may be involved in species recognition, and previous behavioral studies have related divergence of sexual preference between 2 subspecies of the house mouse (Mus musculus musculus and Mus musculus domesticus) to urinary odors. To characterize the differences between odors of males of the 2 subspecies and their first-generation offspring, the urinary volatile molecules were examined via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Seven molecules were present in the samples from mice of at least one group. Their quantity varied among groups: M. m. domesticus showed a quantitatively richer panel of odorants in their urine when compared with M. m. musculus. The hybrids showed a more complex picture that was not directly related to one or the other parental subspecies. These quantitative differences may contribute to the specificity of the odorant bouquet of the 2 subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mucignat-Caretta
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Ponmanickam P, Palanivelu K, Govindaraj S, Baburajendran R, Habara Y, Archunan G. Identification of testosterone-dependent volatile compounds and proteins in the preputial gland of rat Rattus norvegicus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 167:35-43. [PMID: 20211182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 02/28/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Preputial gland is one of the best known and most odour-producing organs in many non-primate mammals. It is generally believed that the development of this gland and functions are regulated by testosterone. To substantiate this point, the present study was aimed to evaluate the testosterone-dependent volatile compounds and proteins in the preputial gland of rat adopting castration and testosterone supplementation. The results revealed that four compounds, geranyl linalool isomer, oxirane, farnesol and lanosterol, are testosterone-dependent. Similarly, a low molecular mass protein with molecular weight 18kDa, supposed to be a pheromone carrier, also is shown to be testosterone-dependent. This study leads to the conclusion that testosterone-dependent compounds and sex-associated protein are present in the preputial gland of rat which may act as a sex pheromone and pheromone carrier, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponnirul Ponmanickam
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
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47
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Kwak J, Willse A, Preti G, Yamazaki K, Beauchamp GK. In search of the chemical basis for MHC odourtypes. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 277:2417-25. [PMID: 20356897 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice can discriminate between chemosignals of individuals based solely on genetic differences confined to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Two different sets of compounds have been suggested: volatile compounds and non-volatile peptides. Here, we focus on volatiles and review a number of publications that have identified MHC-regulated compounds in inbred laboratory mice. Surprisingly, there is little agreement among different studies as to the identity of these compounds. One recent approach to specifying MHC-regulated compounds is to study volatile urinary profiles in mouse strains with varying MHC types, genetic backgrounds and different diets. An unexpected finding from these studies is that the concentrations of numerous compounds are influenced by interactions among these variables. As a result, only a few compounds can be identified that are consistently regulated by MHC variation alone. Nevertheless, since trained animals are readily able to discriminate the MHC differences, it is apparent that chemical studies are somehow missing important information underlying mouse recognition of MHC odourtypes. To make progress in this area, we propose a focus on the search for behaviourally relevant odourants rather than a random search for volatiles that are regulated by MHC variation. Furthermore, there is a need to consider a 'combinatorial odour recognition' code whereby patterns of volatile metabolites (the basis for odours) specify MHC odourtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Kwak
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Zhang JX, Wei W, Zhang JH, Yang WH. Uropygial gland-secreted alkanols contribute to olfactory sex signals in budgerigars. Chem Senses 2010; 35:375-82. [PMID: 20212012 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjq025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The possible role of uropygial gland-secreted compounds in olfactory discrimination of sex or sex attractants in the budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus, was investigated using behavioral 2-choice tests and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Our data showed that female budgerigars were capable of distinguishing males from females in a Y maze via body odor, indicating its sexual dimorphism. When we conducted a chemical assay of the uropygial preen gland secretions, we found 4 times more volatile octadecanol, nonadecanol, and eicosanol in ratios in males than in females, making them putative male pheromone candidates. Female birds also showed overt preferences for the odor of male preen gland secretions or the 3-alkanol blend equivalent preened onto the plumage of a male over that of female counterparts. Removal of any one alkanol was associated with a loss of attractiveness to the female. In another test device (a test cage) with visible male bird stimulus, females chose the male with the 3-alkanol blend of males over the other male with female preen gland secretion, whereas did not differentiate their responses between the males with either this blend or male preen gland secretions. The behavioral data robustly suggested that the 3 alkanols synergistically created a female attractant odor or male pheromone in the budgerigar and that bird uropygial glands have broader implications in sexual behavior than previously known. This is the first investigation with bioassay of components of the gland in a bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Xu Zhang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxi Road 1-5, Beijing 100101, China.
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Pizzolon M, Giacomello E, Marri L, Marchini D, Pascoli F, Mazzoldi C, Rasotto MB. When fathers make the difference: efficacy of male sexually selected antimicrobial glands in enhancing fish hatching success. Funct Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2009.01608.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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50
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Zhang JX, Sun L, Zhang YH. Foxn1 Gene Knockout Suppresses Sexual Attractiveness and Pheromonal Components of Male Urine in Inbred Mice. Chem Senses 2009; 35:47-56. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjp081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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