The qualitative and quantitative composition of the principal lipid constituents of Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) preputial gland secretion, main odor carriers and potential precursors of odorous substances, was investigated by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Free fatty acids and phenols (10%), waxes (38%), and steroids (38%) were found to be the main groups of the secretion lipids. Cholestanol (I), cholesterol (II), androsterone (III), Δ(4)-3α-hydroxy-17-ketoandrostene (IV), 5β, 3α-hydroxy-17-ketoandrostane (V), 5α, 3β, 17α-dihydroxyandrostane (VI), 5β, 3α, 17β-dihydroxyandrostane (VII), and 5β, 3α, 17α-dihydroxyandrostane (VIII) were isolated from the steroid fraction and their structures confirmed by IR, PMR, and mass spectra. 3-Methylpentadecanone (muscone) was not identified among the secretion lipids. Preputial gland secretion stimulated sex behavior of musk deer females.

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