Pheromonally induced release of luteinizing hormone in male mice: involvement of the vomeronasal system

摘要: Evidence has accumulated demonstrating that the vomeronasal (accessory olfactory) system mediates intraspecific chemosensory communication in several mammals. For example, neuroendocrine effects of priming pheromones females and behavioral responses to signaling males are disrupted mice with damage system. The experiment reported here examined potential involvement reflexes observed male following exposure female stimuli. Excision organ (VNO) or sham VNO ablation was performed on sexually experienced males. Next, consecutive blood samples were withdrawn through chronic, intracardiac cannulas while exposed mouse urine then an ovariectomized female. Plasma levels luteinizing hormone (LH) measured sequential by radioimmunoassay. Removal did not affect spontaneous pattern episodic LH release is characteristic mice. Reflexive stimulus blocked lacking VNO, but cause these Our results therefore demonstrate pheromonally induced additional cues which emanate from behaving also effectively stimulate a hormonal response