Review Chemical communication via high molecular weight pheromones in mammals

Introduction Pheromonal signals provide specific information concerning the identity, gender, endocrine, and social status of different members of the population in a variety of mammals [1;2]. Pheromones have been found in saliva, skin gland secretions, and urine. For example, pheromones in urine excreted from male and female rats induce various changes in gonadal functions such as reflex ovulation in the absence of coitus and mounting, a reduction in the oestrous cycle of female rats from 5 to 4 days, and oestrous synchrony among female rats living together. The vomeronasal system is a chemosensory system for receiving pheromones organized in parallel with the main olfactory system in most terrestrial