| Title: | Seasonal productivity of lizard femoral glands: relationship to social dominance and androgen levels |
| Author(s): | Alberts AC; Pratt NC; Phillips JA; |
| Address: | "Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, CA 92112" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/0031-9384(92)90109-f |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 0031-9384 (Print) 0031-9384 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Social and hormonal correlates of femoral gland productivity were investigated in groups of adult and juvenile green iguanas (Iguana iguana) over 12 months. Femoral gland productivity, pore size, and the percentage of lipids in the secretions were correlated with plasma testosterone (T) levels in dominant, although not in subordinate, adult males. Secretory activity peaked during the breeding months, at which time dominants produced more secretion than subordinates. Pore size in juvenile males was positively correlated with plasma T levels and frequency of headbob displays in the months corresponding to the adult breeding season. After 18 months of age, individuals that performed visual displays had significantly larger pores than individuals that did not display. These results indicate that femoral gland secretions could function in the ontogeny and maintenance of dominance relationships" |
| Keywords: | "Aggression/physiology Agonistic Behavior/physiology Animals Female Iguanas/*physiology Male Metamorphosis, Biological Scent Glands/*physiology *Seasons Sex Attractants/physiology Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology *Social Dominance Testosterone/*blood;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineAlberts, A C Pratt, N C Phillips, J A eng 1 F 32 DC 00025-01/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/ Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. 1992/04/01 Physiol Behav. 1992 Apr; 51(4):729-33. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(92)90109-f" |
