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Pheromones and their Effect on Aggression in Mice

Nature volume 226, pages 967–968 (1970)Cite this article

Abstract

ODOURS from the urine of male mice modify the sexual state of females, and this capacity has been attributed to the presence of one or more pheromones1–4. Male urine also possesses a pheromone which increases aggression in other male mice5,6, but it has not been identified and its source has not been located. We wanted to know whether the output of aggression pheromone by the male is related to its agonistic behaviour, and whether the production of pheromone is androgen dependent and therefore reduced by castration. We also wanted to investigate the activity of female urine, because the precise properties of a female which permit close socio-sexual contact with a male are not clear.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Hull,

    R. A. MUGFORD

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Hull,

    N. W. NOWELL

Authors
  1. R. A. MUGFORD
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  2. N. W. NOWELL
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MUGFORD, R., NOWELL, N. Pheromones and their Effect on Aggression in Mice. Nature 226, 967–968 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1038/226967a0

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