Novel sampling strategy for alive animal volatolome extraction combined with GC-MS based untargeted metabolomics: Identifying mouse pup pheromones

In this study, we identify 11 mouse pup volatiles putatively involved in maternal care induction adult females. For purpose, have adapted the dynamic headspace methodology to extract volatolome of whole alive animals. Untargeted metabolomic was used compare neonatal (4–6 days) with elder pups until age weaning (21–23 days old). Pup analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) coupled single quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) using automated thermal desorption for sample introduction. After data processing and multivariate statistical analysis, comparison NIST spectral library allowed identifying compounds secreted preferentially pups: di(propylen glycol) methyl ether, 4-nonenal, di(ethylene monobutyl 2-phenoxyethanol, isomethyl ionone, tridecanal, 1,3-diethylbenzene, 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene, 2-ethyl-p-xylene tri(propylene ether. Palmitic acid enriched fourth week youngsters compared pups. The results demonstrated great potential new sampling procedure combined GC-MS based untargeted volatolomics volatile pheromones mammals.