| Title: | In search of the chemical basis for MHC odourtypes |
| Author(s): | Kwak J; Willse A; Preti G; Yamazaki K; Beauchamp GK; |
| Address: | "Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. jkwak@monell.org" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1471-2954 (Electronic) 0962-8452 (Print) 0962-8452 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Mice can discriminate between chemosignals of individuals based solely on genetic differences confined to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Two different sets of compounds have been suggested: volatile compounds and non-volatile peptides. Here, we focus on volatiles and review a number of publications that have identified MHC-regulated compounds in inbred laboratory mice. Surprisingly, there is little agreement among different studies as to the identity of these compounds. One recent approach to specifying MHC-regulated compounds is to study volatile urinary profiles in mouse strains with varying MHC types, genetic backgrounds and different diets. An unexpected finding from these studies is that the concentrations of numerous compounds are influenced by interactions among these variables. As a result, only a few compounds can be identified that are consistently regulated by MHC variation alone. Nevertheless, since trained animals are readily able to discriminate the MHC differences, it is apparent that chemical studies are somehow missing important information underlying mouse recognition of MHC odourtypes. To make progress in this area, we propose a focus on the search for behaviourally relevant odourants rather than a random search for volatiles that are regulated by MHC variation. Furthermore, there is a need to consider a 'combinatorial odour recognition' code whereby patterns of volatile metabolites (the basis for odours) specify MHC odourtypes" |
| Keywords: | "Animal Communication Animals Diet Discrimination, Psychological *Genetic Variation Major Histocompatibility Complex/*genetics Mice Mice, Inbred Strains *Odorants Pheromones/*chemistry Volatilization;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineKwak, Jae Willse, Alan Preti, George Yamazaki, Kunio Beauchamp, Gary K eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Review England 2010/04/02 Proc Biol Sci. 2010 Aug 22; 277(1693):2417-25. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0162. Epub 2010 Mar 31" |
