Chemical scent constituents in urine of wolf (Canis lupus) and their dependence on reproductive hormones

Journal of Chemical Ecology
By: , and 

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Abstract

The volatile components of castrated male and ovariectomized female wolf urine were investigated and correlated with the administration of testosterone or estradiol and progesterone. The results indicate that testosterone induces in the castrated male the formation of some compounds typically associated with the intact male, while reducing the levels of some compounds associated with castrated male and female. The production of some of the “male” compounds was also induced in the ovariectomized female, although at lower levels. Changes in hormone levels during treatment of females are reflected in the composition of the urinary volatiles. Consequently, many of these compounds could be used to communicate gender as well as reproductive status.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Chemical scent constituents in urine of wolf (Canis lupus) and their dependence on reproductive hormones
Series title Journal of Chemical Ecology
DOI 10.1007/BF01045612
Volume 12
Issue 1
Year Published 1986
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 18 p.
First page 297
Last page 314
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