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

Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2009 Sep;154(1):61-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.05.006. Epub 2009 May 18.

Abstract

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 F2alpha (15(R)-PGF2alpha), 15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha (15K-PGF2alpha), and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha (13,14-dh-15K-PGF2alpha). In the LC-MS/MS studies, samples of holding water from ovulated females contained higher concentrations of 15(R)-PGF2alpha, PGF2alpha, and 13,14-dh-15K-PGF2alpha than those from males or oviposited females. In the behavioral tests, only 15(R)-PGF2alpha 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Female
  • Male
  • Oviposition / physiology
  • Prostaglandins F / pharmacology
  • Prostaglandins F / physiology*
  • Sex Attractants / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Smell / physiology
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  • Urodela / physiology*

Substances

  • Prostaglandins F
  • Sex Attractants