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J Comp Physiol A

Title:		Responses of olfactory receptor neurons in Utetheisa ornatrix to gender-specific odors
Author(s):		Grant AJ; O'Connell RJ;
Address:		"Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA"
Journal Title:		J Comp Physiol A
Year:		2000
Volume:		186
Issue:		6
Page Number:		535 - 542
DOI:		10.1007/s003590000108
ISSN/ISBN:
Abstract:		"We recorded the electrophysiological responses of individual olfactory receptor neurons in sensilla trichodea on the antennae of adult arctiid moths, Utetheisa ornatrix, to stimulation with volatiles associated with both sexes. All trichoid sensilla contain at least two receptor neurons, each with distinct action potential amplitudes and waveforms, that respond dichotomously to male and female odors. Although, neither female neuron responds to extracts of coremata or the male-produced pheromone hydroxydanaidal, they do respond in a gender-specific manner to the volatiles emanating from whole pupae, hemolymph, thoracic froth, and adult animals of several ages. Thoracic froth, which contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, is thought to play a role in defense. Froth from moths reared on diets, with or without added pyrrolizidine alkaloids, were equally effective in eliciting gender-specific patterns of response. Male trichoid receptor neurons respond to these same materials with similar patterns of activation. These receptor neurons provide information about substances, which we have termed 'gender odors,' that are persistently emitted by nearby animals. These substances do not appear to be the same as those already known to be involved in defense or the sexual dialog between individuals"
Keywords:		"Animals Electrophysiology Female Male Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Molting/physiology Moths/*physiology Nervous System/cytology/growth & development Olfactory Receptor Neurons/drug effects/*physiology/ultrastructure Pupa/physiology Sex Attractants/*phar;"
Notes:		"MedlineGrant, A J O'Connell, R J eng DC00131/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/ DC00371/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/ Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Germany 2000/08/18 J Comp Physiol A. 2000 Jun; 186(6):535-42. doi: 10.1007/s003590000108"