Differential olfactory perception of enantiomeric compounds by blind subterranean mole rats (Spalax ehrenbergi) |
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Authors: | G Heth E Nevo R Ikan V Weinstein U Ravid H Duncan |
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Affiliation: | (1) Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 31-905 Haifa, (Israel);(2) Department of Organic Chemistry, Natural Product Laboratory, Hebrew University, 91-904 Jerusalem, (Israel);(3) Department of Medicinal Spices and Aromatic Plants, ARO, 31-999 Newe Ya'ar post, (Israel);(4) Department of Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 45267-0528 Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
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Abstract: | The behavior of mole rats (Spalax ehrenbergi) near pairs of enantiomeric compounds was examined in 901 two-choice experimental tests. Positioning of the nest and food store and the preferred location of the tested animal were used to assess attraction or aversion to the tested odorants. The results indicated that mole rats respond differentially to odors of stereoisomers (enantiomers of carvone, citronellol, and fechone). They responded to one enantiomer of each tested pair but were indifferent to or did not smell the other. Both sexes were attracted to the odor of R-(–)-carvone and repelled by the odor of (+)-citronellol. Females were attracted to the odor of (–)-fenchone while males had no preference. By contrast, all animals were indifferent to or did not smell the odor of S-(+)-carvone, (–)-citronellol, and (+)-fenchone. Further research to distinguish between these alternatives (indifference vs hyposmia/anosmia) is suggested. |
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Keywords: | Olfactory perception enantiomers subterranean mole rats Spalax ehrenbergi |
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