Sex-specific peptides from exocrine glands stimulate mouse vomeronasal sensory neurons
2005
The discovery that sex hormones can be secreted from the eyes is something new in the world of sexual communication. A male-specific peptide secreted from the extraorbital lachrymal gland is transferred to the female's pheromone-sensing organ during physical contact such as facial grooming. It stimulates specific pheromone receptor neurons and elicits an electrical response. The ‘male’ peptide is a member of a previously unrecognized large multigene family of secreted peptides. A female signal, yet to be identified, acts in a similar way, suggesting that these pheromones operate via specific courtship behaviour to ensure sex recognition and discrimination.
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