Structure and Function of the Vomeronasal Organ

Abstract

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a complex of different structures that forward specific chemical signals commonly called pheromones to the central nervous system. In some macrosmatic animals, e.g. rodents, the VNO consists of vomeronasal receptor neurons located in a sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal duct, their afferent axons connecting the duct with the accessory olfactory bulb, associated glands and ganglionic cells in the nasal septal mucosa. The organ's main task is to influence mating and social behavior. In humans, the VNO does not exist, at least not in its complexity. Although developed in early fetal life, all structures except the vomeronasal duct undergo regression. The orifice of this duct can be easily observed by nasal endoscopy. Histochemically, it is lined with a remarkable pseudostratified epithelium, the nature and significance of which are still unclear. Recent studies indicate that pheromone-like compounds are most likely registered at the level of olfactory receptor cells, rendering the chemical information system more independent of specific organ structures.

Synthetic Copulin Does Not Affect Men’s Sexual Behavior

“…Similar work focuses on axillary secretion exposure, with most studies reporting behavioral and physiological effects (Brooksbank and Haslewood 1961;Cleveland and Savard 1964;Schleidt and Hold 1982;Cutler et al 1998;McCoy and Pitino 2002;Grammer et al 2003;Witta and Wozniak 2006;Saxton et al 2008;Savic and Berglund 2010). For instance, Black and Biron (1982) demonstrated female participants rated male confederates wearing a 3α androstenol exaltolide (synthetic androstenol) perfume more attractive.…”

“…Traditionally, scientists have defined pheromones in mammals as non-volatile chemicals transduced by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and transmitted to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) (Savic et al 2001;Witta and Wozniak 2006;Trotier 2011). Since humans lack an AOB and a functional VNO, it follows that, according to this definition, pheromone signaling cannot exist.…”

“…Yet this type of communication is unquestioned in many species, like dogs and elephants, which also lack a functional VNO (Grus et al 2005). Moreover, a number of studies show that the VNO is unnecessary for the detection of chemical signals (Hudson and Distel 1986;Savic et al 2001;Barton 2006;Witta and Wozniak 2006;Trotier 2011). For instance, sexual behavior in female pigs is influenced by androstenone even after their VNO has been blocked (Dorries et al 1997).…”

Expression and function of aquaporins in peripheral nervous system

“…Vomeronasal organ is part of the nasal chemosensory system situated at the base of the nasal septum in the anterior nasal cavity [31,32] and is anatomically and physiologically distinct from the olfactory system [33][34][35] . The sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ is composed of a sensory cell layer and supporting cell layer.…”

“…A previous study indicated impaired olfaction in mice lacking AQP4 water channel [36] . Vomeronasal organ is regarded as a chemosensory organ for pheromones [34] . It will be interesting to study the role of AQP4 in the regulation of social behavior and sexual preference in AQP4 knockout mouse model.…”