ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Pheromone candidates
;
deermouse
;
chemical communication
;
gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Biological aspects of chemical communication in the deermouse have been extensively documented in the past. To provide a broad characterization of the urinary volatile compounds (potential chemosignals), the urine samples from adult and young animals of both sexes, as well as from castrated animals, were examined. The volatiles were extracted through a dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by combined capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The major constituents have been identified as various ketones, aldehydes, pyrazines, pyridines, quinolines, a thiazole, an amide, and a nitrile. While no chromatographic peaks were found to be unique to gender or age, quantitative analyses revealed that numerous compounds exhibited significant variations among the different groups. Their endocrine dependencies suggest a potential chemosignaling function.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1020937400480
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