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Mice recognize recent urine scent marks by the molecular composition.

A Cavaggioni¹, C Mucignat-Caretta, M Redaelli

¹Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. andrea.cavaggioni@unipd.it

Chemical Senses

|July 8, 2008

Summary

Male mice use urine scent marks to maintain territory. Researchers found that specific volatile compounds in fresh male mouse urine, including 2,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin, correlate with increased sniffing behavior and decreased marking.

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Area of Science:

Animal Behavior
Chemical Ecology
Olfactory Communication

Background:

Male mice utilize urine scent marks for territory ownership, with frequent renewal indicating territorial maintenance.
The perception of scent mark freshness influences male mouse behavior, including sniffing and countermarking.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between specific volatile compounds in male mouse urine and behavioral responses.
To identify scent features that signal the recency of urine marks to male mice.

Main Methods:

Male mice responses were measured towards urine spots of varying ages (0-24 hours).
Volatile compounds in urine spots were identified and quantified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Behavioral variables (sniffing, marking, fecal pellets) were correlated with identified urine compounds.

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Main Results:

A strong canonical correlation (R = 0.96) was found between molecular profiles and behavioral responses.
Compounds 2,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin, linalool, and 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole were associated with increased sniffing.
These specific compounds negatively correlated with countermarking behavior, suggesting they indicate fresh urine.

Conclusions:

Specific volatile organic compounds in male mouse urine act as semantic signals for freshness.
The identified compounds play a crucial role in mediating territorial communication and behavior in male mice.