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Sankarganesh D, Kirkwood RN, Nagnan-Le Meillour P, Angayarkanni J, Achiraman S, Archunan G. Pheromones, binding proteins, and olfactory systems in the pig ( Sus scrofa): An updated review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:989409. [PMID: 36532348 PMCID: PMC9751406 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.989409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs utilize multimodal communication for reproductive and other behaviors, and chemical communication is one of the key components. The success of reproduction relies on chemical communication favored by the steroid pheromones from boar saliva. These steroids were proven to be involved in advancing puberty in gilts (the boar effect) and in promoting estrus behaviors in gilts/sows, thereby helping to detect estrus and facilitating the timing of artificial insemination. The steroid pheromones bound with carrier proteins are evidenced in the mandibular (submandibular) salivary secretions of the boar. These salivary steroids bind with carrier proteins in the nasal mucus and vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the sows, eventually triggering a cascade of activities at the olfactory and endocrine levels. Besides steroid pheromones, pig appeasing pheromones (from mammary skin secretions of sows) have also been demonstrated to bind with carrier proteins in the nasal mucus and VNO of the piglets. Thus far, four different proteins have been identified and confirmed in the nasal mucus and VNO of pigs, including odorant binding proteins (OBPs), salivary lipocalin (SAL), pheromaxein, and Von Ebner's Gland Protein (VEGP). The critical roles of the chemosensory systems, main olfactory systems and VNO, have been comprehensively reported for pigs. This review summarizes the current knowledge on pheromones, their receptor proteins, and the olfactory systems of porcine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Sankarganesh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Roy N. Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Patricia Nagnan-Le Meillour
- University Lille, CNRS, USC INRA 1409 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
| | | | - Shanmugam Achiraman
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
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2
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Janssen-Weets B, Kerff F, Swiontek K, Kler S, Czolk R, Revets D, Kuehn A, Bindslev-Jensen C, Ollert M, Hilger C. Mammalian derived lipocalin and secretoglobin respiratory allergens strongly bind ligands with potentially immune modulating properties. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:958711. [PMID: 35991307 PMCID: PMC9385959 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.958711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergens from furry animals frequently cause sensitization and respiratory allergic diseases. Most relevant mammalian respiratory allergens belong either to the protein family of lipocalins or secretoglobins. Their mechanism of sensitization remains largely unresolved. Mammalian lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens are associated with a function in chemical communication that involves abundant secretion into the environment, high stability and the ability to transport small volatile compounds. These properties are likely to contribute concomitantly to their allergenic potential. In this study, we aim to further elucidate the physiological function of lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens and link it to their sensitizing capacity, by analyzing their ligand-binding characteristics. We produced eight major mammalian respiratory allergens from four pet species in E.coli and compared their ligand-binding affinities to forty-nine ligands of different chemical classes by using a fluorescence-quenching assay. Furthermore, we solved the crystal-structure of the major guinea pig allergen Cav p 1, a typical lipocalin. Recombinant lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens are of high thermal stability with melting temperatures ranging from 65 to 90°C and strongly bind ligands with dissociation constants in the low micromolar range, particularly fatty acids, fatty alcohols and the terpene alcohol farnesol, that are associated with potential semiochemical and/or immune-modulating functions. Through the systematic screening of respiratory mammalian lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens with a large panel of potential ligands, we observed that total amino acid composition, as well as cavity shape and volume direct affinities to ligands of different chemical classes. Therefore, we were able to categorize lipocalin allergens over their ligand-binding profile into three sub-groups of a lipocalin clade that is associated with functions in chemical communication, thus strengthening the function of major mammalian respiratory allergens as semiochemical carriers. The promiscuous binding capability of hydrophobic ligands from environmental sources warrants further investigation regarding their impact on a molecule's allergenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Janssen-Weets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frédéric Kerff
- Laboratory of Crystallography, Center for Protein Engineering-InBioS, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kyra Swiontek
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphanie Kler
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rebecca Czolk
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Dominique Revets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Annette Kuehn
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Carsten Bindslev-Jensen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christiane Hilger
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- *Correspondence: Christiane Hilger
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The Major Cat Allergen Fel d 1 Binds Steroid and Fatty Acid Semiochemicals: A Combined In Silico and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2020. [PMID: 32085519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041365.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The major cat allergen Fel d 1 is a tetrameric glycoprotein of the secretoglobin superfamily. Structural aspects and allergenic properties of this protein have been investigated, but its physiological function remains unclear. Fel d 1 is assumed to bind lipids and steroids like the mouse androgen-binding protein, which is involved in chemical communication, either as a semiochemical carrier or a semiochemical itself. This study focused on the binding activity of a recombinant model of Fel d 1 (rFel d 1) towards semiochemical analogs, i.e., fatty acids and steroids, using both in silico calculations and fluorescence measurements. In silico analyses were first adopted to model the interactions of potential ligands, which were then tested in binding assays using the fluorescent reporter N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine. Good ligands were fatty acids, such as the lauric, oleic, linoleic, and myristic fatty acids, as well as steroids like androstenone, pregnenolone, and progesterone, that were predicted by in silico molecular models to bind into the central and surface cavities of rFel d 1, respectively. The lowest dissociation constants were shown by lauric acid (2.6 µM) and androstenone (2.4 µM). The specific affinity of rFel d 1 to semiochemicals supports a function of the protein in cat's chemical communication, and highlights a putative role of secretoglobins in protein semiochemistry.
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Bienboire-Frosini C, Durairaj R, Pelosi P, Pageat P. The Major Cat Allergen Fel d 1 Binds Steroid and Fatty Acid Semiochemicals: A Combined In Silico and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041365. [PMID: 32085519 PMCID: PMC7073184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The major cat allergen Fel d 1 is a tetrameric glycoprotein of the secretoglobin superfamily. Structural aspects and allergenic properties of this protein have been investigated, but its physiological function remains unclear. Fel d 1 is assumed to bind lipids and steroids like the mouse androgen-binding protein, which is involved in chemical communication, either as a semiochemical carrier or a semiochemical itself. This study focused on the binding activity of a recombinant model of Fel d 1 (rFel d 1) towards semiochemical analogs, i.e., fatty acids and steroids, using both in silico calculations and fluorescence measurements. In silico analyses were first adopted to model the interactions of potential ligands, which were then tested in binding assays using the fluorescent reporter N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine. Good ligands were fatty acids, such as the lauric, oleic, linoleic, and myristic fatty acids, as well as steroids like androstenone, pregnenolone, and progesterone, that were predicted by in silico molecular models to bind into the central and surface cavities of rFel d 1, respectively. The lowest dissociation constants were shown by lauric acid (2.6 µM) and androstenone (2.4 µM). The specific affinity of rFel d 1 to semiochemicals supports a function of the protein in cat’s chemical communication, and highlights a putative role of secretoglobins in protein semiochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication (D-BMCC), Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-490-75-57-00
| | - Rajesh Durairaj
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication (D-BMCC), Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 3430 Tulln, Austria;
| | - Patrick Pageat
- Department of Chemical Ecology (D-EC), Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
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Another cat and mouse game: Deciphering the evolution of the SCGB superfamily and exploring the molecular similarity of major cat allergen Fel d 1 and mouse ABP using computational approaches. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29771985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197618.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian secretoglobin (SCGB) superfamily contains functionally diverse members, among which the major cat allergen Fel d 1 and mouse salivary androgen-binding protein (ABP) display similar subunits. We searched for molecular similarities between Fel d 1 and ABP to examine the possibility that they play similar roles. We aimed to i) cluster the evolutionary relationships of the SCGB superfamily; ii) identify divergence patterns, structural overlap, and protein-protein docking between Fel d 1 and ABP dimers; and iii) explore the residual interaction between ABP dimers and steroid binding in chemical communication using computational approaches. We also report that the evolutionary tree of the SCGB superfamily comprises seven unique palm-like clusters, showing the evolutionary pattern and divergence time tree of Fel d 1 with 28 ABP paralogs. Three ABP subunits (A27, BG27, and BG26) share phylogenetic relationships with Fel d 1 chains. The Fel d 1 and ABP subunits show similarities in terms of sequence conservation, identical motifs and binding site clefts. Topologically equivalent positions were visualized through superimposition of ABP A27:BG27 (AB) and ABP A27:BG26 (AG) dimers on a heterodimeric Fel d 1 model. In docking, Fel d 1-ABP dimers exhibit the maximum surface binding ability of AG compared with that of AB dimers and the several polar interactions between ABP dimers with steroids. Hence, cat Fel d 1 is an ABP-like molecule in which monomeric chains 1 and 2 are the equivalent of the ABPA and ABPBG monomers, respectively. These findings suggest that the biological and molecular function of Fel d 1 is similar to that of ABP in chemical communication, possibly via pheromone and/or steroid binding.
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6
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Durairaj R, Pageat P, Bienboire-Frosini C. Another cat and mouse game: Deciphering the evolution of the SCGB superfamily and exploring the molecular similarity of major cat allergen Fel d 1 and mouse ABP using computational approaches. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197618. [PMID: 29771985 PMCID: PMC5957422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian secretoglobin (SCGB) superfamily contains functionally diverse members, among which the major cat allergen Fel d 1 and mouse salivary androgen-binding protein (ABP) display similar subunits. We searched for molecular similarities between Fel d 1 and ABP to examine the possibility that they play similar roles. We aimed to i) cluster the evolutionary relationships of the SCGB superfamily; ii) identify divergence patterns, structural overlap, and protein-protein docking between Fel d 1 and ABP dimers; and iii) explore the residual interaction between ABP dimers and steroid binding in chemical communication using computational approaches. We also report that the evolutionary tree of the SCGB superfamily comprises seven unique palm-like clusters, showing the evolutionary pattern and divergence time tree of Fel d 1 with 28 ABP paralogs. Three ABP subunits (A27, BG27, and BG26) share phylogenetic relationships with Fel d 1 chains. The Fel d 1 and ABP subunits show similarities in terms of sequence conservation, identical motifs and binding site clefts. Topologically equivalent positions were visualized through superimposition of ABP A27:BG27 (AB) and ABP A27:BG26 (AG) dimers on a heterodimeric Fel d 1 model. In docking, Fel d 1-ABP dimers exhibit the maximum surface binding ability of AG compared with that of AB dimers and the several polar interactions between ABP dimers with steroids. Hence, cat Fel d 1 is an ABP-like molecule in which monomeric chains 1 and 2 are the equivalent of the ABPA and ABPBG monomers, respectively. These findings suggest that the biological and molecular function of Fel d 1 is similar to that of ABP in chemical communication, possibly via pheromone and/or steroid binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Durairaj
- Department of Behavioral and Physiological Mechanisms of Adaptation (D-MPCA), Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), APT, France
| | - Patrick Pageat
- Department of Semiochemicals Identification and Analogs Design (D-ISCA), Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), APT, France
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Behavioral and Physiological Mechanisms of Adaptation (D-MPCA), Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), APT, France
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7
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Apps PJ, Weldon PJ, Kramer M. Chemical signals in terrestrial vertebrates: search for design features. Nat Prod Rep 2015; 32:1131-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c5np00029g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We review current information on intraspecific chemical signals and search for patterns in signal chemistry among modern terrestrial vertebrates (Amniota), including tortoises, squamate reptiles (amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes), birds, and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Apps
- Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Laboratory for Wildlife Chemistry
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust
- Maun
- Botswana
| | - Paul J. Weldon
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
- National Zoological Park
- Front Royal
- USA
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8
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Detection of oestrous-related odour in bovine ( Bos taurus) saliva: bioassay of identified compounds. Animal 2012; 1:1321-7. [PMID: 22444887 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731107000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to identify the volatile constituents across the oestrous cycle of bovine in order to detect oestrous-specific chemical signal. The bovine saliva was extracted with diethyl ether (1 : 1 ratio, v/v) and analysed by gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry. Numerous compounds were identified during oestrous cycle of bovine saliva. Among these, the compounds, namely, trimethylamine, acetic acid, phenol 4-propyl, pentanoic acid and propionic acid were specific to oestrous stage. The behaviour assay revealed that the compound, trimethylamine, is involved in attracting the male animal. The result concludes that the trimethylamine is considered as a putative oestrous-specific salivary chemo-signal in the bovine.
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9
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Dall'Aglio C, Zannoni A, Mercati F, Forni M, Bacci ML, Boiti C. Differential gene expression and immune localization of the orexin system in the major salivary glands of pigs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 172:51-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Rajkumar R, Karthikeyan K, Archunan G, Huang PH, Chen YW, Ng WV, Liao CC. Using mass spectrometry to detect buffalo salivary odorant-binding protein and its post-translational modifications. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2010; 24:3248-3254. [PMID: 20972998 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A large number of mammalian odorant-binding proteins, which are lipocalins, have been studied. These proteins participate in peri-receptor events by selecting and carrying odorant molecules. The present study aimed at identifying the buffalo salivary odorant-binding protein (sOBP), and to determine its post-translational modification using mass spectrometry. The buffalo salivary 21 kDa protein was initially separated adopting sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and it was identified as sOBP with high statistical reliability using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and SEQUEST, for the first time. Further, the post-translationally modified peptides were screened adopting MS/MS. A total of four post-translational modifications, namely glycation at lysine-(59), hydroxylation at lysine-(134), ubiquitination at lysine-(121), and dihydroxylation in lysine-(108), were recorded. Moreover, these modifications have not been identified in buffalo salivary odorant-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rajkumar
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Trichirappalli 620 024, Tamilnadu, India
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Rajkumar R, Ilayaraja R, Liao CC, Archunan G, Achiraman S, Prakash S, Ng WV, Tsay YG. Detection of alpha(2u)-globulin and its bound putative pheromones in the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat (Rattus rattus) using mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2010; 24:721-728. [PMID: 20169559 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The role of pheromones and pheromone-binding proteins in the laboratory rat has been extensively investigated. However, we have previously reported that the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat produces a variety of pheromonal molecules and preputial glands would seem to be the predominant source for pheromonal communication. The presence of pheromone-binding proteins has not yet been identified in the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat; therefore, the experiments were designed to unravel the alpha(2u)-globulin (alpha2u) and its bound volatiles in the commensal rat. Total preputial glandular proteins were first fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and subsequently analyzed by mass spectrometry. Further, we purified alpha2u and screened for the presence of bound pheromonal molecules with the aid of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A novel alpha2u was identified with a high score and this protein has not been previously described as present in the preputial gland of Indian commensal rats. This novel alpha2u was then characterized by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Peptides with m/z values of 969, 1192, 1303 and 1876 were further fragmented with the aid of MS/MS and generated de novo sequences which provided additional evidence for the presence of alpha2u in the preputial gland. Finally, we identified the presence of farnesol 1 and 2 bound to alpha2u. The present investigation confirms the presence of alpha2u (18.54 kDa) in the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat and identifies farnesol 1 and 2 as probably involved in chemo-communication by the Indian commensal rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rajkumar
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India 620 024
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Abstract
The assessment of hormones in saliva has gained wide acceptance in clinical endocrinology. To date, there is no hypothesis as to why some hormones can be found in saliva, while others cannot, and whether there is a physiological consequence of this fact. A number of carefully performed studies give examples of important physiological hormonal activity in saliva. Steroids, such as androgens, act as pheromones in olfactory communication of various mammalian species, such as facilitating mating behavior in swine or serving as odor cues for rodent nestlings. Salivary peptide hormones, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and amines such as melatonin, are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and in the promotion of cell proliferation, and contribute to a rapid wound healing in the oropharyngeal epithelia. Current data provide evidence of the involvement of salivary cytokines, such as interleukin-8 and leptin, in tumorgenesis in the oral cavity and the salivary glands. The tumor tissues express and release significantly more of these cytokines than healthy glands. Consequently, the assessment of salivary hormone profiles may provide promising targets for diagnostic tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gröschl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Yu H, Yue P, Sun P, Zhao X. Self-grooming induced by sexual chemical signals in male root voles (Microtus oeconomus Pallas). Behav Processes 2010; 83:292-8. [PMID: 20117186 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2010.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 01/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sniffing is one-way animals collect chemical signals, and many males self-groom when they encounter the odor of opposite-sex conspecifics. We tested the hypothesis that sexual chemical signals from females can induce self-grooming behavior in male root voles (Microtus oeconomus Pallas). Specifically, we investigated the sniffing pattern of male root voles in response to odors from the head, trunk, and tail areas of lactating and non-lactating females. The self-grooming behavior of males in response to female individual odorant stimuli was documented, and the relationship between self-grooming and sniffing of odors from the head, trunk, and tails areas were analyzed. Sniffing pattern results showed that males are most interested in odors from the head area, and more interested in odors from the tail as compared to the trunk area. Males displayed different sniffing and self-grooming behaviors when they were exposed to odors from lactating females as compared to non-lactating females. Males also spent more time sniffing and engaged in more sniffing behaviors in response to odors from the lactating females' tail area as compared to the same odors from non-lactating females. Similarly, males spent more time self-grooming and engaged in more self-grooming behaviors in the presence of individual odors from lactating females as compared to individual odors from non-lactating females. Partial correlation analyses revealed that the frequency of self-grooming was significantly correlated with the frequency of tail area sniffs. Results from this experiment suggest that sexual attractiveness of lactating females is stronger than that of non-lactating females. Furthermore, the partial correlation analysis demonstrated that self-grooming in males is induced by odors from the tail area of females. Collectively, these results support the hypothesis that sexual chemical signals from females can induce self-grooming behavior in male root voles. Self-grooming may also reflect the groomer's sexual motivation and facilitate sexual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghao Yu
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining Road #23, Xining, China
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14
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Zamaratskaia G, Dahl E, Madej A, Squires EJ, Andresen O. Studies on 5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one binding to porcine serum, plasma and testicular cytosolic fraction and to human serum. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 111:24-8. [PMID: 18511263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2006] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated whether a specific androstenone-binding protein is present in porcine and human serum, and in the cytosolic fraction of porcine testis. The binding of [(3)H]-androstenone to serum and testicular cytosol was measured in the absence (total binding) and presence (non-specific binding) of unlabelled androstenone. The optimization of the assay is described. As a part of the assay validation, the binding of [(3)H]-dihydrotestosterone ([(3)H]-DHT) to porcine and human serum was also examined. As expected, specific binding of [(3)H]-DHT was detected in human serum, but not in porcine serum. No specific androstenone-binding protein was detected, either in porcine or human serum, or in the cytosolic fraction of porcine testis. The amount of non-specific binding of [(3)H]-androstenone was slightly lower in porcine serum compared to human serum. Between-animal variations in [(3)H]-androstenone binding were studied in plasma samples from 15 animals with androstenone concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 23.1 ng/mL. Mean values+/-standard deviations of binding in these samples were 15.2+/-0.9% for total binding and 15.9+/-0.8% for non-specific bindings. Low between-animal variations indicate that androstenone binding does not affect androstenone accumulation in fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galia Zamaratskaia
- Department of Food Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7051, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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15
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Effect of testosterone, estrone sulphate and androstenone on 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protein expression in primary cultured hepatocytes. Livest Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Sjödin A, Guo D, Lund-Johansen M, Krossnes BK, Lilleng P, Henriksson R, Hedman H. Secretoglobins in the human pituitary: high expression of lipophilin B and its down-regulation in pituitary adenomas. Acta Neuropathol 2005; 109:381-6. [PMID: 15668787 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-004-0972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2004] [Revised: 12/02/2004] [Accepted: 12/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Secretoglobins are small secreted proteins, the expression of which has mostly been associated with secretory mucosal epithelia. Several secretoglobins have been implicated in the development of various human cancers. Allelic deletions of chromosome 11q13 correlates with the invasiveness of pituitary tumors. Intriguingly, several secretoglobin genes are located on 11q13; however, for most of these genes the expression in the pituitary and pituitary tumors have not been investigated. Antibodies specific for the secretoglobin lipophilin B (SCGB1D2, BU101) were developed and used in an immunohistochemical analysis of a human normal tissue microarray. Prominent lipophilin B immunoreactivity was found in the secretory cells of the anterior pituitary. Eight of nine analyzed pituitary adenomas showed a reduction in lipophilin B immunoreactivity compared to normal pituitary. However, there was no apparent association between lipophilin B immunoreactivity and hormone production or tumor invasiveness. Expression of eight different secretoglobin mRNAs were analyzed in normal pituitary and the pituitary adenoma cell line HP75 by highly specific quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays. Lipophilins B and C (SCGB2A1, mammaglobin B) were the most prominently expressed secretoglobin mRNAs in the pituitary. No secretoglobin mRNA was detected in the HP75 cells. The present report demonstrates, for the first time, lipophilin B expression in the pituitary and its apparent down-regulation in pituitary adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sjödin
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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