F-series prostaglandin function as sex pheromones in the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii

초록

In order to test whether prostaglandins (PGs) function as sex pheromones in Hynobius leechii, a salamander that externally fertilizes its eggs, we conducted electro-olfactogram (EOG) studies with 19 PGs, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses of female and male holding waters, and behavioral tests on selected PGs. Of the 19 PGs tested, only three induced strong EOG responses from both males and ovulated females: 15-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha (15(R)-PGF2 alpha), 15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (15K-PGF2 alpha), and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (13,14-dh-15K-PGF2 alpha). In the LC-MS/MS studies, samples of holding water from ovulated females contained higher concentrations of 15(R)-PGF2 alpha PGF2 alpha, and 13,14-dh-15K-PGF2 alpha than those from males or oviposited females. In the behavioral tests, only 15(R)-PGF2 alpha and ovulated female holding water induced significant reproductive behavior from male salamanders. These results suggest that F-series prostaglandins function as sex pheromones in amphibians. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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