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Olfactory receptor-like genes are located in the human major histocompatibility complex

Abstract The murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) includes sequences that are responsible for haplotype-specific odor types that, in turn, influence mating preference. We report that there are several olfactory receptor genes or pseudogenes in the Class I region of the human MHC. At least one of these genes is intact, appears to encode an mRNA, …

Ability to smell androstenone is genetically determined

Abstract Some adult humans cannot detect the odor of androstenone (5 alpha-androst-16-en-3-one), a volatile steroid. To test for the presence of genetic variance associated with this trait, adult twins were tested for their ability to smell androstenone and another odorant, pyridine, that is readily perceived by most adults. Ascending concentration, two-sample (odor versus blank) forced …

Feedback loops link odor and pheromone signaling with reproduction

Abstract Pheromones can have profound effects on reproductive physiology and behavior in mammals. To investigate the neural circuits underlying these effects, we used a genetic transneuronal tracer to identify neurons that synapse with GnRH (LHRH) neurons, the key regulators of reproduction. We then asked whether the connected neurons are presynaptic or postsynaptic to GnRH neurons …

Human Body Scents: Conscious Perceptions and Biological Effects

Introduction Compounds collected from the torso and axillary area of sleeping men can be distinguished based on the number of MHC alleles matching between the man and the woman choosing the scent she prefers. Compounds from breastfeeding women and their infants increase the sexual motivation of other women and change the timing of ovulation. Here …

MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans

Abstract One substantial benefit of sexual reproduction could be that it allows animals (including humans) to react rapidly to a continuously changing environmental selection pressure such as coevolving parasites. This counteraction would be most efficient if the females were able to provide their progeny with certain allele combinations for loci which may be crucial in …

Encoding Human Sexual Chemosensory Cues in the Orbitofrontal and Fusiform Cortices

Abstract Chemosensory communication of affect and motivation is ubiquitous among animals. In humans, emotional expressions are naturally associated with faces and voices. Whether chemical signals play a role as well has hardly been addressed. Here, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging to show that the right orbitofrontal cortex, right fusiform cortex, and right hypothalamus respond …