PubMed · 5572906
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D Premack. 1971-05-21. Language in chimpanzee?. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.172.3985.808
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The functions of the vomeronasal and olfactory systems are evaluated within the broad context of chemical communication in mammals. Five main points are stressed. First, there are a variety of types of chemical signals, ranging from classic pheromones to odor quality signals, all of which are important for communication. Second, the vomeronasal organ is primarily responsible for mediating responses to some, but by no means all, pheromone-like signals. Third, the olfactory system mediates responses to some pheromone-like signals. Fourth, the vomeronasal system mediates some responses to odor quality signals. Thus, not all receptors in the vomeronasal organ are involved in detection of pheromones. Fifth, the vomeronasal and olfactory systems often interact to mediate responses to odor signals. In sum, it is important to maintain a broad, balanced view and to avoid oversimplifications if we are to advance our understanding of the sensory mechanisms underlying responses to chemical signals and other odors.
This paper briefly reviews three topics: (a) Convergent vomeronasal and olfactory chemosensory input into a common circuit considered important for mating in male golden hamsters; (b) Apparent activation of this circuit by intracerebral luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and (c) Interaction of the LHRH and the two chemosensory inputs. Mapping of c-fos protein in male hamsters mating with females or exposed to female pheromones indicates intense activation in the central vomeronasal pathways, induced by both olfactory and vomeronasal input. This input appears to activate the medial preoptic area, where chemosensory activation is greater in experienced than in inexperienced animals. Intracerebral injection of LHRH facilitates mating behavior and increases Fos expression in the medial preoptic area of mating males. Despite evidence that the release of LHRH in response to female chemosignals is dependent on vomeronasal input, no activation of LHRH neurons has been demonstrated in males exposed to such chemosignals. Electrical stimulation of the vomeronasal organ can induce Fos expression in chemosensory pathways and in medial preoptic LHRH neurons.