Antennal sensilla of two species of Gymnetis MacLeay, 1819 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)

ABSTRACT The present study describes the morphology of the antennal sensilla of adults of Gymnetis holosericea (Voet, 1779) and Gymnetis rufilateris (Illiger, 1800). The adults of Gymnetis spp. were sexed and antenna of males and females were dissected. Both species have sensilla chaetica, trichodea, placodea (type I and II), coeloconica (type I and II), and ampullacea (or pore). Females of G. holosericea have a total of about 19,995 sensilla and males have about 23,273 sensilla, and females of G. rufilateris have about 16,633 sensilla and males have about 21,184 sensilla. Sensilla placodea are the predominant type of sensilla in males and females of G. holosericea and G. rufilateris.

Variation of cuticular chemical compounds in three species of Mischocyttarus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) eusocial wasps

Abstract The social wasps have a remarkable system of organization in which chemical communication mediate different behavioral interactions. Among the compounds involved in this process, cuticular hydrocarbons are considered the main signals for nestmate recognition, caste differentiation, and fertility communication. The aims of this study were to describe the cuticular chemical compounds of the species Mischocyttarus consimilis, Mischocyttarus bertonii, and Mischocyttarus latior, and to test whether these chemical compounds could be used to evaluate differences and similarities between Mischocyttarus species, using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Workers from these three species presented a variety of hydrocarbons ranging from C17 to C37, and among the compounds identified, the most representative were branched alkanes, linear alkanes and alkenes. The results revealed quantitative and qualitative differences among the hydrocarbon profiles, as confirmed by discriminant analysis. This study supports the hypothesis that cuticular chemical profiles can be used as parameters to identify interspecific and intercolony differences in Mischocyttarus, highlighting the importance of these compounds for differentiation of species and populations.

Pheromones from male domestic mice influences the sexual function and gonadal steroids levels of female laboratory rats / Feromônios de influências masculinos nos ratos domésticos a função e os níveis de esteróides sexuais dos ratos de laboratório fêmeas / Feromonas de influencias masculinos en ratones domésticos la función y los niveles de esteroides sexuales en ratas hembras de laboratorio

It is well established that the behavior of different mammalians, including rodents, may undergo profound changes in the presence of individuals of other species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify if the presence of pheromones from male mice could influence the reproductive parameters of female rats. Twenty Swiss (SW) male mice and 16 Long Evans (LE) female Rats were housed in separate rooms, with communication in the ceiling in its entire length. A continuous flow of air was planned to pass through the room of the mice before the room of the rats and finally be exchanged with the external environment. During 45 days, vaginal smears were collected. Relative weights of reproductive organs, estradiol, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone levels were also measured. The total duration of the estrous cycle and relative organ weight remained unchanged. On the other hand, the proestrus and estrus phases, as well as the estradiol levels were increased, while the diestrus phase was significantly reduced. The results have shown that maintaining LE female rats in the presence of pheromones from male SW mice can significantly change the sexual function and gonadal steroid levels.

É bem conhecido que o comportamento de diferentes mamíferos, incluindo roedores podem sofrer alterações profundas na presença de indivíduos de outras espécies. Portanto, estudamos se a presença de feromônios de camundongos machos poderiam influenciar os parâmetros reprodutivos de ratas. Vinte suíços (SW) ratos do sexo masculino e 16 Long Evans (LE) ratas foram colocadas em locais distintos, com a comunicação no teto em toda a sua extensão. Um fluxo contínuo de ar foi planejado para passar através da sala de ratinhos antes da sala de ratos e, finalmente, ser trocado com o ambiente externo. Durante 45 dias, esfregaços vaginais foram recolhidas. Os pesos relativos dos órgãos reprodutores, o estradiol, progesterona e níveis de dehidroepiandrosterona também foram medidos. A duração total do ciclo estral e peso de órgãos em relação, manteve-se inalterada. Por outro lado, as fases de proestro e estro, bem como os níveis de estradiol foram aumentadas, enquanto que a fase diestro foi reduzida significativamente. Os resultados mostraram que a manutenção de ratas LE na presença de feromônios de camundongos SW do sexo masculino pode alterar significativamente a função sexual e os níveis de esteróides sexuais.

Es bien sabido que el comportamiento de diferentes mamíferos incluyendo roedores pueden sufrir cambios profundos en la presencia de individuos de otras especies. Por lo tanto, se estudió si la presencia de feromonas de ratones machos podrían influir en los parámetros reproductivos de las ratas hembra. Veinte suizos (SW) ratones machos y 16 Long Evans (LE) ratas hembras, fueron alojados en habitaciones separadas, con la comunicación en el techo en toda su extensión. Se planificó un flujo continuo de aire para pasar a través de la habitación de los ratones antes de la habitación de las ratas y, finalmente, ser intercambiado con el ambiente externo. Durante 45 días se recogieron frotes vaginales. También se midieron los pesos relativos de los órganos reproductivos, estradiol, progesterona, y los niveles de dehidroepiandrosterona. La duración total del ciclo estral y el peso relativo de órganos se mantuvo sin cambios. Por otro lado, las fases de proestro y de estro, así como los niveles de estradiol aumentaron, mientras que la fase de diestro redujo significativamente. Los resultados han demostrado que el mantenimiento de LE en ratas hembras, con presencia de feromonas de ratones SW macho puede cambiar significativamente la función sexual y los niveles de esteroides sexuales.

Short-term Treatment of Daumone Improves Hepatic Inflammation in Aged Mice

Chronic inflammation has been proposed as one of the main molecular mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases. Although evidence in humans is limited, short-term calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in aged experimental animals. We reported on the long-term treatment of daumone, a synthetic pheromone secreted by Caenorhabditis elegans in an energy deficient environment, extends the life-span and attenuates liver injury in aged mice. The present study examined whether late onset short-term treatment of daumone exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the livers of aged mice. Daumone was administered orally at doses of 2 or 20 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks to 24-month-old male C57BL/6J mice. Increased liver macrophage infiltration and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in aged mice were significantly attenuated by daumone treatment, suggesting that short-term oral administration of daumone may have hepatoprotective effects. Daumone also dose-dependently suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. The present data demonstrated that short-term treatment of daumone has anti-inflammatory effects in aged mouse livers possibly through suppression of NF-kappaB signaling and suggest that daumone may become a lead compound targeting aging and age-associated diseases.

Órgano vomeronasal: estudio anatómico de prevalencia y su función / The vomeronasal organ: anatomic study of prevalence and its role

Introducción: El órgano vomeronasal (OVN) descrito por Jacobson en mamíferos distintos al ser humano, es una incógnita tanto en lo que se refiere a su localización así como a su función en la raza humana. Se considera como un vestigio del olfato, que en los animales mamíferos parece influir en los hábitos sexuales (feromonas) y sociales. Hasta la fecha han sido escasos los estudios concluyentes al respecto en humanos. Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia del órgano vomeronasal en nuestras consultas. Material y método: Presentamos un estudio prospectivo de prevalencia de la frecuencia de aparición de dicho órgano en 150 sujetos distribuidos por edad y sexo, explorados por endoscopia nasosinusal rígida. Por otro lado, analizamos la influencia sobre la libido (normal-disminuida-aumentada) en el posoperatorio de 35 septoplastías, a los 15 días tras retirada de taponamiento nasal y a los 30 días y lo comparamos con un grupo de 40 pacientes intervenidos timpanoplastías. Resultados: Estudiados 150 sujetos, encontramos la presencia del órgano vomeronasal en el 39,33% (59), de los cuales el 72,88% (43) fue unilateral (23 derecha y 20 izquierda) y el 27,12% (16) bilateral. En 91 (60,67%) no hallamos dicha estructura. La libido de los 35 pacientes intervenidos de septoplastía estaba disminuida, a los 15 días, en el 77,14% (27) frente al 40% (16) de las timpanoplastías, normal en el 17,14% (6) frente al 50% (20) de las cirugías otológicas, y en 2 (5,7%) poseptoplastía había aumentado, frente al 10% (4) del otro grupo. A los 30 días, en el 77,14% (27) de las septoplastías se había normalizado frente al 90% (36) del grupo otológico, en 2 (5,71%) de la cirugía nasal continuaba disminuida frente al 10% (4) del grupo de las timpanoplastías y en 6 (17,14%) tras septoplastía había aumentado. A todos los pacientes se les aplicó el mismo test no normalizado. Conclusión: El órgano vomeronasal de Jacobson continúa siendo un gran desconocido. Es una estructura que, al parecer, no es constante, al menos a la exploración endoscópica nasosinusal. Es difícil valorar si la cirugía en sí misma o el trauma psicológico posquirúrgico son los que afectan la libido de los pacientes tras la cirugía.

Introduction: The vomeronasal organ (OVN) described by Jacobson in mammals other than humans is unknown both in terms of its location and its role in the human race. It is viewed as a vestige of smell, that mammals in the animal seems to influence the sexual habits (pheromone) and social. To date, few studies have been inconclusive on this in humans. Aim: To determine the prevalence of vomeronasal organ in our medical consultations. Materials and methods: We report a prospective prevalence study of the occurrence of such a body in 150 subjects distributed by age and sex explored by endoscopic sinus rigid. On the other hand, we analyze the effect on the libido (normally less-plus) in the postoperative 35 septoplasty, 15 days after the withdrawal of nasal pack and 30 days and compared with a group of 40 tympanoplasty surgery. Results: Studied 150 subjects, we found the presence of the vomeronasal organ in 39.33% (59), of which 72.88% (43) had unilateral (23 right and 20 left) and 27.12% (16) bilaterally. In 91 (60.67%) did not find such a structure. The libido of the 35 patients who underwent septoplasty was decreased at 15 days, at 77.14% (27) versus 40% (16) of tympanoplasty, normal in 17.14% (6) compared to 50% (20) of otologic surgery, and in 2 (5.7%) postseptoplasty had increased, compared to 10% (4) the other group. At 30 days, in 77.14% (27) of the septoplasty group the libido was normalized against 90% (36) in the otologic group. In 2 cases (5.71%) of nasal surgery group was still decreased versus 10% (4) of cases of the tympanoplasty group, and in 6 (17.14%) postseptoplasty was increased. All patients were administered the same test is not standardized. Conclusion: The vomeronasal organ of Jacobson remains the great unknown. It is a structure that apparently is not constant, at least in the endoscopic sinus exploration. With regard to their role, it is difficult to assess whether the psychological trauma after surgery or the surgery by itself is responsible of the libido changes.

Insect sex pheromones: Research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

Medical insects are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, their biomedical research and development of insects are gaining attention. The research and application of insect sex pheromone in this area also draws great attention. Currently, insect sex pheromone is mainly used for pest control in agroforestry. The review briefly describes the chemical constituents, release, and application of insect sex pheromones; meanwhile, the application of insect sex pheromone and its uses in mass trapping, mating disruption, and pest control, in the insect resources development are preliminarily discussed.

Insect sex pheromones:research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

Medical insects are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, their biomedical research and development of insects are gaining attention. The research and application of insect sex pheromone in this area also draws great attention. Currently, in-sect sex pheromone is mainly used for pest control in agroforestry. The review briefly describes the chemical constituents, release, and application of insect sex pheromones;meanwhile, the application of insect sex pheromone and its uses in mass trapping, mating disrup-tion, and pest control, in the insect resources development are preliminarily discussed.

Visión y olfato en las evaluaciones de atractivo que hacen hombres homosexuales / Smell and sight on the attraction felt by homosexual men

Las investigaciones sobre el papel de los sentidos en la elección de pareja que hacen hombres y mujeres han confirmado la presencia de procesos a nivel neurofisiológico cuya influencia va más allá de las decisiones conscientes que pudieran tomarse en cuanto a la pareja con la que deciden estar. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las investigaciones realizadas hasta ahora tienen un enfoque en parejas heterosexuales y son pocos los estudios que examinan el papel de los sentidos en la elección de pareja que hacen las personas homosexuales. El objetivo del estudio realizado fue evaluar la importancia y la relación que tienen el olfato y la visión en la atracción de hombres homosexuales hacia hombres, tanto hetero como homosexuales. Un grupo de 14 hombres homosexuales evaluó el atractivo de fotografías y camisetas (remera de algodón de mangas cortas) provenientes de hombres hetero y homosexuales. Los resultados indicaron que el olor de las camisetas utilizadas por hombres homosexuales resultó significativamente más atractivo que el olor de las camisetas utilizadas por hombres heterosexuales en las evaluaciones realizadas. Por otra parte, se realizaron análisis de regresión múltiple y sus resultados mostraron que el atractivo del olor de las camisetas utilizadas por hombres homosexuales predice significativamente el atractivo global de estos hombres. Estos resultados sugieren la presencia de una capacidad en hombres homosexuales para distinguir inconscientemente a hombres heterosexuales de hombres homosexuales a partir de estímulos olfativos, lo que a su vez apunta a una constitución neurofisiológica en particular, invitando a realizar más investigaciones en el tema.

Previous works about the role of the senses in mating choices made by men and women have confirmed the existence of neurophysiologic processes which influence our decisions about whom we'd like to have a relationship with, well beyond our conscious capacity to select. Most of these works, however, are developed from a focus on Evolutionary Psychology, whose theoretical axis is the transmission of genes from one generation to another by means of reproduction. Therefore, they have centered exclusively on the evaluations of attractiveness made by heterosexual people, thus disregarding the role of the senses in the mating choices of their homosexual counterparts. Our goal in the present study was to evaluate the relationship between smell and sight, as well as their influence on the attraction felt by homosexual men towards heterosexual and homosexual men. A group of 14 homosexual men assessed the attractiveness of a series of stimuli that came from homosexual and heterosexual males. Subjects ranged from 16 to 26 years of age (M = 21.21; SD = 2.6), participated voluntarily and were selected through accidental, non probability sampling. All of them were recruited in a meeting of the Jóvenes LGBT México Group, thanks to the support of one of its coordinators, with the objective of accommodating the schedules of the population under study. The stimuli consisted of facial pictures of homosexual and heterosexual men, as well as cotton tee shirts previously worn by the same subjects. All stimuli were collected from 10 men between 21 and 25 years of age (M = 22.3; SD = 1.49), acquaintances of the researchers. Invitations were sent via e-mail. Participants were informed that the objective of the study was to assess the importance of the senses in the mating choices of human males. Findings may be summarized as follows: the olfactory attractiveness of the tee shirts and the visual attractiveness of the pictures did not correlate for either of the two groups; only the olfactory attractiveness of the tee shirts differed significantly depending on the sexual orientation of the wearers; both the visual attractiveness of the pictures and the olfactory attractiveness of the tee shirts predicted the global attractiveness of heterosexual subjects, though the visual attractiveness of the pictures did so more significantly; and, finally, only the olfactory attractiveness of the tee shirts predicted the global attractiveness of homosexual subjects. In other words, the smell of the tee shirts worn by homosexual men resulted significantly more attractive to the homosexual evaluators than did the smell of the tee shirts worn by heterosexual men. On the other hand, only the attractiveness of the smell of the tee shirts worn by homosexual men predicted significantly the global attractiveness of those men. This suggests that the homosexual men who participated as evaluators were able to distinguish, without being conscious of it, the sexual orientation of the men who wore the shirts, parting from their olfactory attractiveness. The most important implication of our findings is that homosexual people may function in a different neurophysiologic manner than their heterosexual counterparts, at least in regards to the influence of sensory perception on the mating choices they make. In particular, that factors independent from reproduction may have a role in human mating choices. Therefore, in future research conducted on the matter, the sexual orientation of the subjects should be considered, additionally to their biological sex.

Discrimination of bile acids by the rainbow trout olfactory system: Evidence as potential pheromone

Electro-olfactogram recording was used to determine whether the olfactory epithelium of adult rainbow trout is specifically sensitive to bile acids, some of which have been hypothesized to function as pheromones. Of 38 bile acids that had been pre-screened for olfactory activity, 6 were selected. The rainbow trout-specific bile acids, taurocholic acid (TCA), and taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLS) were the most potent compounds tested. TLS had a distinctive dose-response curve. Cross-adaptation experiments demonstrated that sensitivity to bile acids is attributable to at least 3 independent classes of olfactory receptor sites. Our data suggest that bile acids are discriminated by olfaction in rainbow trout, supporting the possibility that these compounds function as pheromones.

Stereoselective total synthesis of some insect pheromones: (±)-serricornine and (±)-invictolide

An efficient (12 steps, 12% overallyield) and stereoselective total synthesis of (±)-serricornine (1) the sex pheromone of the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricornine F) is described. The preparation of intermediate 5, which encompasses the proper relative configuration of three contiguous chiral centers of (±)-invictolide, (3), is discussed.