Previous studies have demonstrated that mice differing only in the set of genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) produce odors which other mice are able to differentiate. We have now found that at least one source for odors differentiating MHC-dissimilar mice is urine. Mice were trained, in a Y maze, to discriminate urines collected from panels of inbred mice differing only at the MHC. Successful training was also accomplished using F2 segregants indicating that the train of distinctive urine odor segregates with MHC type. Control studies showed that the MHC discrimination could not be explained by artifact or non-genetic incidental variation. These differences in urine odors are presumed to be implicated in the previously described dependence of mating preference on MHC type. Studies are continuing aimed at: (1) investigating the ability of different subregions within MHC to produce distinctive urinary odors; (2) chemically characterizing differences in urines of MHC-dissimilar mice; and (3) evaluating the role of MHC difference in males and their odors in the maintenance of female pregnancy. These studies provide a link between immunity and olfaction, two biological systems which are similar in exhibiting a vast range of precise chemical recognition.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM032096-07
Application #
3280672
Study Section
Mammalian Genetics Study Section (MGN)
Project Start
1980-08-01
Project End
1987-05-31
Budget Start
1986-06-01
Budget End
1987-05-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
Singer, A G; Beauchamp, G K; Yamazaki, K (1997) Volatile signals of the major histocompatibility complex in male mouse urine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 94:2210-4
Beauchamp, G K; Katahira, K; Yamazaki, K et al. (1995) Evidence suggesting that the odortypes of pregnant women are a compound of maternal and fetal odortypes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 92:2617-21
Beauchamp, G K; Yamazaki, K; Curran, M et al. (1994) Fetal H-2 odortypes are evident in the urine of pregnant female mice. Immunogenetics 39:109-13
Yamazaki, K; Beauchamp, G K; Shen, F W et al. (1994) Discrimination of odortypes determined by the major histocompatibility complex among outbred mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 91:3735-8
Monahan, E; Yamazaki, K; Beauchamp, G K et al. (1993) Olfactory discrimination of urinary odortypes from congenic strains (DBA/1Bg and DBA1.C57BL10-YBg) of mice differing in their Y chromosomes. Behav Genet 23:251-5
Yamazaki, K; Beauchamp, G K; Imai, Y et al. (1992) Expression of urinary H-2 odortypes by infant mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 89:2756-8
Yamazaki, K; Beauchamp, G K; Shen, F W et al. (1991) A distinctive change in odortype determined by H-2D/L mutation. Immunogenetics 34:129-31
Yamazaki, K; Beauchamp, G K; Imai, Y et al. (1990) Odor types determined by the major histocompatibility complex in germfree mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 87:8413-6
Yamazaki, K; Beauchamp, G K; Bard, J et al. (1989) Sex-chromosomal odor types influence the maintenance of early pregnancy in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 86:9399-401
Beauchamp, G K; Yamazaki, K; Bard, J et al. (1988) Preweaning experience in the control of mating preferences by genes in the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse. Behav Genet 18:537-47

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