Hormonal Prostaglandin F2? Mediates Behavioral Responsiveness to a Species-Specific Multi-component Male Hormonal Sex Pheromone in a Female Fish

Synopsis Although hormonally-derived female sex pheromones have been well described in approximately a dozen species of teleost fish, only few male characterized and the neuroendocrine underpinnings behavioral responsiveness to them is not understood. Herein, we describe study that addresses this question using goldfish, Carassius auratus, an important model how hormones drive behavior egg-laying fishes. Our had four components. First, examined goldfish found when injected with prostaglandin F2? (PGF2?), treatment drives sexual receptivity, they became strongly uniquely attracted odor conspecific mature males, while non-PGF2?-treated did discern males from females. Next, complexity specificity pheromone by examining PGF2?-treated females either conspecifics or common carp odor, as their nonpolar polar fractions. We was more attractive than carp, its activity attributable both fractions later conveying information on species-identity. Third, hypothesized androstenedione (AD), 19-carbon steroid produced all fish might be fraction tested whether were AD alone part mixture water. inactive own, it highly added previously unattractive Lastly, test nonhormonal determine species-specificity, water three made attractive, effects other holding small. conclude circulating PGF2? at time ovulation induces sensitivity comprised body metabolites. Because commonly mediates fishes, universally fishes precursor testosterone, suggest these two may similar roles mediating male–female communication many fish.