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J Biosci

Title:		Chemistry of clitoral gland secretions of the laboratory rat: assessment of behavioural response to identified compounds
Author(s):		Kannan S; Archunan G;
Address:		"Department of Zoology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Autonomous, Sivakasi 626 124, India"
Journal Title:		J Biosci
Year:		2001
Volume:		26
Issue:		2
Page Number:		247 - 252
DOI:		10.1007/BF02703648
ISSN/ISBN:		0250-5991 (Print) 0250-5991 (Linking)
Abstract:		"The present investigations were carried out to find out the chemical nature of clitoral gland extracts and their involvement in reproductive and social behaviour. Homogenates of clitoral glands of mature estrous female rats were extracted with n-hexane and dichloromethane (1 : 1 ratio v/v) and analysed by gas chromatography linked mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Three peaks were found to be in higher concentration, which were identified as 6,11-dihydro-dibenz-b,e-oxepin-11-one (I); 2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol-3,7,11-trimethyl(Z) (II); and 1,2-benzene-dicarboxylic acid butyl(2-ethylpropyl) ester (III). Odour preference tests demonstrated that the first compound attracted conspecifics of the opposite sex. By contrast, the second and third compounds were found to attract both sexes. The results conclude that the clitoral gland of laboratory rat contains three major chemical compounds which have a unique function in maintaining social and reproductive status"
Keywords:		"Animals Behavior, Animal/*physiology Clitoris/*physiology Estrus Exocrine Glands/*metabolism Female Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Male Molecular Structure Pheromones/*chemistry Rats;"
Notes:		"MedlineKannan, S Archunan, G eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't India 2001/06/27 J Biosci. 2001 Jun; 26(2):247-52. doi: 10.1007/BF02703648"