Identification of a natural source for the OR37B ligand

In search for biological sources of the long-chain fatty aldehydes (penta-, hexa-, and heptadecanal), which we recently identified as ligands for members of the mouse odorant receptor subfamily OR37, the headspace of secretions and excretions from mice was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In urine, skin swabs, and saliva, these components were not detectable. However, in fecal pellets, a substantial amount of hexadecanal, the OR37B ligand, was found. Accordingly, exposure of mice to feces induced an activation of the OR37B glomerulus, whereas the OR37A and the OR37C glomerulus were not responsive. The amount of hexadecanal deposited with feces varied significantly; however, it was independent of the amount of feed. In many species, feces is covered with secretion from anal glands. Due to the size and the inaccessibility of these glands in mice, the headspace of anal gland secretion from dog was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which resulted in a prominent peak for hexadecanal. Exposure of mice to anal gland secretion from dog activated the OR37B glomerulus. Altogether, these data suggest that hexadecanal, a ligand for the receptor OR37B, is produced in anal glands and deposited with feces into the environment.