Chemical communication: chirality in elephant pheromones.
Musth in male elephants is an annual period of heightened sexual activity and aggression that is linked to physical, sexual and social maturation. It is mediated by the release of chemical signals such as the pheromone frontalin, which exists in two chiral forms (molecular mirror images, or enantiomers). Here we show that enantiomers of frontalin are released by Asian elephants in a specific ratio that depends on the animal's age and stage of musth, and that different responses are elicited in male and female conspecifics when the ratio alters. This precise control of communication by molecular chirality offers insight into societal interactions in elephants, and may be useful in implementing new conservation protocols.
Greenwood
David R
DR
HortResearch, Mount Albert Research Centre, Private Bag 92-169, Auckland, New Zealand.
Comeskey
Dan
D
Hunt
Martin B
MB
Rasmussen
L Elizabeth L
LE
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004606:Elephants / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010675:Pheromones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D010675:Pheromones; C012327:frontalin