The combined role of the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems in social communication in mammals

The main olfactory and the vomeronasal systems are the two systems by which most vertebrates detect chemosensory cues that mediate social behavior. Much research has focused on how one system or the other is critical for particular behaviors. This has lead to a vision of two distinct and complexly a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hormones and behavior 2007-12, Vol.52 (5), p.561-570
Main Author: Kelliher, Kevin R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Animal Communication
Animals
Behavioral psychophysiology
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetic Variation - physiology
Gonads - physiology
Hormones
Hormones and behavior
Humans
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiology
Individuality
Major Histocompatibility Complex - physiology
Mammal
Mammals
Models, Biological
Olfactory
Olfactory Pathways - physiology
Pheromone
Pheromones - physiology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Sensory perception
Smell
Social Behavior
Vomeronasal
Vomeronasal Organ - physiology
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Summary:The main olfactory and the vomeronasal systems are the two systems by which most vertebrates detect chemosensory cues that mediate social behavior. Much research has focused on how one system or the other is critical for particular behaviors. This has lead to a vision of two distinct and complexly autonomous olfactory systems. A closer look at research over the past 30 years reveals a different picture however. These two seemingly distinct systems are much more integrated than previously thought. One novel set of chemosensory cues in particular (MHC Class I peptide ligands) can show us how both systems are capable of detecting the same chemosensory cues, through different mechanisms yet provide the same general information (genetic individuality). Future research will need to now focus on how two seemingly distinct chemosensory systems together detect pheromones and mediate social behaviors. Do these systems work independently, synergistically or competitively in communicating between individuals of the same species?
ISSN:0018-506X
1095-6867
DOI:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.08.012