Neural Mechanisms of Olfactory Responses to Salamander Courtship Pheromones

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Pheromones are a chemical substance produced by one individual that conveys information to other individuals of the same species. This form of chemical communication can evoke neural effects that produce immediate behavioral responses or act through the endocrine and reproductive systems to cause delayed physiological responses. While much of this work has been carried out using invertebrates, pheromones are important signals in other species, including humans. Dr. Houck has generated a wealth of information about the behavioral/social changes in females exposed to pheromones released by males. With this Career Advancement Award, she will extend her behavioral work by determining how individual cells in the brain respond to these pheromones. By learning sophisticated neurophysiological techniques, Dr. Houck will examine the mechanisms by which natural odors are perceived and determine whether pheromones released from certain individuals are more effective in eliciting a physiological response from females. Her approach combines the study of physiological reactions with an evolution interpretation of chemical cues that affect behavioral responses. Pheromonal research is playing an important role in the noninvasive control of various pest populations that destroy crops in America. In addition, advances made by these types of studies are being used to identify the subtle cues signalling the approach of ovulation in domestic stock, thus allowing more precise timing of artificial insemination, resulting in greatly increased breeding efficiency.