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Horm Behav

Title:		Primer effects by conspecific odors in house mice: a new perspective in the study of primer effects on reproductive activities
Author(s):		Koyama S;
Address:		"Division of Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan. sakoyama@indiana.edu"
Journal Title:		Horm Behav
Year:		2004
Volume:		46
Issue:		3
Page Number:		303 - 310
DOI:		10.1016/j.yhbeh.2004.03.002
ISSN/ISBN:		0018-506X (Print) 0018-506X (Linking)
Abstract:		"Half a century has passed since the first report of the influence of odors on mice. Odors are known to influence behavior (signaling effect) and affect the physiology (primer effect) of mice. This review focuses on summarizing the primer effects found so far in female and male mice. Odors from conspecifics of the opposite sex had the tendency to enhance reproductive activities, whereas odors from conspecifics of the same sex diminish them. Only 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, one of the odor components identified in group-housed females, has been reported to have a suppressive influence on both males and females by lowering reproductive activities. Studies showed progress from the discovery of phenomena to the identification of odor components that cause such changes in reproductive organs and related neuroendocrinological changes. Compared to studies on the mechanisms of primer effects in females, the mechanisms in males are not yet clarified, and detailed studies on effects on the reproductive organs are still in primitive stages especially for males. Hypotheses on the influence of changes in the concentration of testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin on spermatogenesis and sperm maturation after exposure to odors are discussed"
Keywords:		"Animals Estrous Cycle/physiology Female Gonadal Steroid Hormones/*physiology Male Mice Odorants Pheromones/*physiology Recognition, Psychology/physiology Reproduction/*physiology Sex Factors Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology Smell/*physiology Spermatozo;"
Notes:		"MedlineKoyama, Sachiko eng Review 2004/08/25 Horm Behav. 2004 Sep; 46(3):303-10. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2004.03.002"