Thet complex of the mouse: Chemical characterization by urinary volatile profiles

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Animal Behavior
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The T-complex in house mice (Mus domesticus) influences various traits, including olfactory discrimination.
• Understanding the chemical basis of olfactory cues related to the T-complex is crucial for studying mouse social behavior and population genetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate variations in urinary volatile components among C3H congenic mice with different T-complex genotypes.
• To identify specific volatile compounds that may mediate olfactory discrimination between T-complex haplotypes.

Main Methods:

• Capillary gas chromatography was used to analyze urine samples from 192 male and female mice.
• Mice represented four T-complex genotypes: +/+, +/tw1, T/tw1, and T/+.
• Urine was collected from mice aged 1 to 9 months.

Main Results:

• No unique urinary volatiles were exclusively associated with the T-complex.
• Significant differences in the concentrations of 12 male and 4 female volatiles were observed based on T-complex genotype and age.
• Younger males exhibited higher concentrations of cyclic enol ethers and ketones compared to older males.
• Specific volatiles, including cyclic enol ethers and certain ketones, were found in higher concentrations in T/+ and/or T/t males compared to +/+ males.
• Age and T-complex genotype influenced volatile profiles in females, particularly for four ketones.

Conclusions:

• Urinary volatile profiles are influenced by both T-complex genotype and age in mice.
• Gas chromatography analysis of urinary components shows potential for field studies of the T-complex.
• Significant differences in volatile concentrations between wild-type (+/+) and T-complex (+/t) genotypes suggest a basis for olfactory discrimination.