Skip to main content

Size of the Vomeronasal Organ in Wild Microtus

  • Chapter
Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 9

Abstract

The structure and function of the mammalian vomeronasal organ (VNO) have been the focus of numerous studies (e.g., Adams and Weikamp, 1984; Vaccarezza et al., 1981). Functionally, this chemosensory epithelial structure has been linked to various behaviors such as mate-finding and aggressive interactions (Powers and Winans, 1975; Wysocki and Lepri, 1991). In mammals, the evidence that VNOs function as a pheromone receptor has derived from experimental data. Determinants of VNO size are less well-understood, but have been hypothesized to include hormonal factors (Segovia and Guillamón, 1982, 1993.). It is therefore possible that morphology of the VNO may vary with gonadal development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adams, D. R., and Wiekamp, M. D., 1984, The canine vomeronasal organ, J. Anat. 138(4): 171–187.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawley, E. M., 1998, Species, sex, and seasonal differences in VNO size, Microsc. Res. Techn. 41:506–518.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dawley, E. M., and Crowder, J., 1995, Sexual and seasonal differences in the vomeronasal epithelium of the red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus), J. Comp. Neurol. 359:382–390.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gartner, L. P., and Hiatt, J. L., 1994, Color Atlas of Histology, 2nd. Ed., Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grocock, C. A., and Clarke, J. R., 1974, Photoperiodic control of testis activity in the vole, Microtus agrestis, J. Reprod. Fert. 39:337–347.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gruder-Adams, S., and Getz, L. L., 1985, Comparison of the mating system and paternal behavior in Microtus ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus, J. Mamm. 66:165–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ko, S. K., Kang, H. M., Im, W. B., and Kwon, H. B, 1998, Testicular cycles in three species of Korean frogs: Rana nigromaculata, Rana rugosa, and Rana dybowskii, Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 111:347–358.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveras, D., and Novak, M., 1986, A comparison of paternal behavior in the meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus, the pine vole M. pinetorum and the prairie vole M. ochrogaster, Anim. Behav. 34:519–526.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powers, J. B., and Winans, S. S., 1975, Vomeronasal organ: critical role in mediating sexual behavior in the male hamster, Science 187:961–963.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schilling, A., Perret, M., and Predine, J., 1984, Sexual inhibition in a prosimian primate: a pheromone-like effect, J. Endocrinol. 102:143–151.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Segovia, S., and Guillamón, A., 1982, Effects of sex steroids on the development of the vomeronasal organ in the rat, Dev. Brain Res. 5:209–212.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Segovia, S., and Guillamón, A., 1993, Sexual dimorphism in the vomeronasal pathway and sex differences in reproductive behaviors, Brain Res. Rev. 18:51–74.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Siegel, M. I., Todhunter, J. S., Doyle W. J., and Rood, S. R., 1983, Computer reconstruction of eustachian tube Anatomy, Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. 92:10–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, T. D., Siegel, M. I., Mooney, M. P., Burdi, A. R., and Todhunter, J. S., 1996, Vomeronasal organ growth and development in normal and cleft lip and palate fetuses, Cleft Palate-Craniofac. J. 33:385–394.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, T. D., Roslinski, D. L., Burrows, A. M., Bhatnagar, K. P., Mooney, M. P., and Siegel, M. I., Size of the vomeronasal neuroepithelium in two species of Microtus with differing levels of paternal behavior, J. Mamm. (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sokal, R. R., and Rohlf, F. J., 1981, Biometry, W. H. Freeman and Co., New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaccarezza, O. L., Sepich, L. N., and Tramezzani, J. H., 1981, The vomeronasal organ of the rat, J. Anat. 132:167–185.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weiler, E., Apfelbach, R., and Farbman, A. I., 1999, The vomeronasal organ of the male ferret, Chem. Senses 24:127–136.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wysocki, C. J., and Lepri, J. J. L., 1991, Consequences of removing the vomeronasal organ, J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol. 39(4B):661–669.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Maico, L.M. et al. (2001). Size of the Vomeronasal Organ in Wild Microtus . In: Marchlewska-Koj, A., Lepri, J.J., Müller-Schwarze, D. (eds) Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 9. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0671-3_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0671-3_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5187-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-0671-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics