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Science 5 April 1974:
Vol. 184. no. 4132, pp. 83 - 85
DOI: 10.1126/science.184.4132.83
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Articles

Identification of a Ventral Scent Marking Pheromone in the Male Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

D. D. Thiessn 1, Fred E. Regnier 2, Maureen Rice 3, Michael Goodwn 3, Nancy Isaacks 3, and Nancy Lawson 3

1 Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712
2 Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana 46207
3 Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin

Sebum from the ventral scent marking gland of the male Mongolian gerbil was fractionated and tested for its ability to elicit behavioral response in a conditioning task and in a stimulus preference situation. The active fraction was identified as phenylacetic acid; both it and a synthetic sample elicited the same behavioral response. Phenylacetic acid appears to be a major pheromone of the male Mongolian gerbil.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
A Recombinant Courtship Pheromone Affects Sexual Receptivity in a Plethodontid Salamander.
L. D. Houck, R. A. Watts, S. J. Arnold, K. E. Bowen, K. M. Kiemnec, H. A. Godwin, P. W. Feldhoff, and R. C. Feldhoff (2008)
Chem Senses 33, 623-631
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Stink of Stinkpot Turtle Identified: ohgr-Phenylalkanoic Acids.
T. EISNER, W. E. CONNER, K. HICKS, K. R. DODGE, H. I. ROSENBERG, T. H. JONES, M. COHEN, and J. MEINWALD (1977)
Science 196, 1347-1349
   Abstract »    PDF »


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