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Biological Sciences: Identification of Primate Sexual Pheromones and the Properties of Synthetic Attractants

Nature volume 232, pages 396–398 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

OLFACTORY communication is now known to be important in determining the interaction between the sexes in a microsmatic higher primate, namely, the rhesus monkey1,2. Vaginal secretions of ovariectomized, oestrogen-treated female rhesus monkeys contain “copulins” that stimulate the mounting activity and ejaculatory behaviour of male rhesus monkeys3. The behavioural effects of these secretions were blocked in males made temporarily anosmic, but became apparent when olfactory acuity had been restored; they thus seem to possess the properties of olfactorily acting pheromones. We have therefore investigated the chemical nature of these sex attractants.

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Author notes

  1. RICHARD P. MICHAEL: Reprint requests to R.P.M.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University College of Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea

    R. F. CURTIS & J. A. BALLANTINE

  2. Primate Behaviour Research Laboratories, Institute of Psychiatry, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent

    E. B. KEVERNE, R. W. BONSALL & RICHARD P. MICHAEL

Authors
  1. R. F. CURTIS
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  2. J. A. BALLANTINE
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  3. E. B. KEVERNE
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  4. R. W. BONSALL
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  5. RICHARD P. MICHAEL
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CURTIS, R., BALLANTINE, J., KEVERNE, E. et al. Biological Sciences: Identification of Primate Sexual Pheromones and the Properties of Synthetic Attractants. Nature 232, 396–398 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232396a0

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