Cross-generational impact of a male murine pheromone 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole in female mice

Abstract

The current understanding of the activity of mammalian pheromones is that endocrine and behavioural effects are limited to the exposed individuals. Here, we demonstrate that the nasal exposure of female mice to a male murine pheromone stimulates expansion of mammary glands, leading to prolonged nursing of pups. Subsequent behavioural testing of the pups from pheromone-exposed dams exhibited enhanced learning. Sialic acid components in the milk are known to be involved in brain development. We hypothesized that the offspring might have received more of this key nutrient that promotes brain development. The mRNA for polysialyltransferase, which produces polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecules related to brain development, was increased in the brain of offspring of pheromone-exposed dams at post-natal day 10, while it was not different at embryonic stages, indicating possible differential brain development during early post-natal life.

Secondhand horror: effects of direct and indirect predator cues on behavior and reproduction of the bank vole

“…Social cues, such as pheromones, have previously been shown to be sufficient to trigger cross-generational changes (Koyama et al 2015). Social cues, such as pheromones, have previously been shown to be sufficient to trigger cross-generational changes (Koyama et al 2015).…”

“…In many mammalian prey species, this includes behavioral changes such as freezing, avoidance, and heightened vigilance, but also the ability to detect and correctly recognize the odors emitted by predators, from here on predator odor (PO), which serve as triggers for the adaptive behaviors previously mentioned (Kats and Dill 1998, Dielenberg and McGregor 2001, Sundell and Yl€ onen 2004, Conover 2007, Osada et al 2014, Apfelbach et al 2015, Sievert and Laska 2016. Indirect effects of predation, for example, decreased reproduction (Yl€ onen and , Sheriff et al 2009, 2015, as well as the interaction of risk and competition, are drawing increasing attention in current literature (e.g., Apfelbach et al 2005, Parsons et al 2017.…”

“…The effect was assessed in both behavioral trials and a breeding experiment with cue exposure of parents and monitoring subsequent offspring performance. Social cues, such as pheromones, have previously been shown to be sufficient to trigger cross-generational changes (Koyama et al 2015). In order to differentiate between the effects of PO, AP, and mere social odor, we also used non-stressed conspecific bedding as a second control in addition to clean wood shavings.…”

On the persistence of mouse urine odour to human observers: a review

“…One of the characteristic mousy odorant was isolated from the major urine proteins (MUPs) purified from male mouse urine and identified as 2‐ sec ‐butyl‐4,5‐dihydrothiazole (SBT) . While its odour is described as ‘mousy’ to humans, it has been shown to act as a chemical signal in mice and to be involved in sexual communication in conspecifics . Furthermore, the release of SBT to the air is delayed by its binding to MUPs, and there are indications that the binding between mousy odorant(s) and MUPs is extremely strong .…”

“…SBT is mouse‐specific and has not been detected elsewhere. It has been shown to act as a chemical signal in mice and to be involved in sexual communication in conspecifics . Other semiochemicals or pheromones in mice and other animals and their biological functions, have been reviewed elsewhere …”