Identification of testosterone-dependent volatile compounds and proteins in the preputial gland of rat Rattus norvegicus.

Preputial gland is one of the best known and most odour-producing organs in many non-primate mammals. It is generally believed that the development of this gland and functions are regulated by testosterone. To substantiate this point, the present study was aimed to evaluate the testosterone-dependent volatile compounds and proteins in the preputial gland of rat adopting castration and testosterone supplementation. The results revealed that four compounds, geranyl linalool isomer, oxirane, farnesol and lanosterol, are testosterone-dependent. Similarly, a low molecular mass protein with molecular weight 18kDa, supposed to be a pheromone carrier, also is shown to be testosterone-dependent. This study leads to the conclusion that testosterone-dependent compounds and sex-associated protein are present in the preputial gland of rat which may act as a sex pheromone and pheromone carrier, respectively. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.