NATURAL ODORS AND THEIR PHYSIOLOGICAL INFLUENCES

一个人发出的哺乳动物化学信号可以引起荷尔蒙 同种接受者的变化导致多个 生殖功能(例如，青春期加速、发情周期 调节和释放发情抑制)。化学信号 改变生殖生理的行为称为启动子信息素。 荷尔蒙对同种化学信号的反应通常通过增加 黄体生成素(L H)。人类中的引发物样信息素效应 包括改变月经周期的长度和时间 连续使用男性或女性腋下分泌物提取物 对女性的影响。 因为腋下分泌物似乎是人类气味的“最佳候选者” 具有化学通信特性的来源，我们正在进行研究 (A)开发可靠的方法来评估化学成分 信息素样活性和(B)确定的化学性质 腋窝分泌物。GCRC内部的研究采用了 男性腋窝提取液在女性鼻部的应用 受试者测定其对黄体生成素脉象的影响。我们会 使用这种生物测定来引导分析研究进入活跃的 腋下提取物成分。除了把我们引向活跃的 这项研究将有助于阐明神经内分泌机制 参与月经周期的嗅觉调节。

Mammalian chemical signals emitted by one individual can cause hormonal changes in a conspecific recipient resulting in alteration of several reproductive functions (e.g. acceleration of puberty, estrous cycle regulation and release from estrous suppression). chemical signals which act to alter reproductive physiology are termed primer pheremones. Hormonal response to conspecific chemosignals often act by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH). Primer-like pheromone effects in humans include an alteration of the length and timing of the menstrual cycle using serial applications of male or female axillary secretion extracts upon females. Since axillary secretions appear to be the "best candidate" human odor source with chemical communicatory properties, we are conducting research to (a) develop a reliable method to assess chemical constituents for pheromone-like activity and (b) determine the chemical character of axillary secretions. Research within the GCRC is employing the application of a male axillary extract to the nasal area of female volunteers to determine its affect upon the pulse pattern of LH. We will employ this bioassay to guide an analytical study into the active axillary extract constituents. In addition to directing us to the active components, this study will help elucidate neuroendocrine mechanism involved in olfactory modulation of the menstrual cycle.