Urinary chemical cues affect light-avoidance behaviour in male laboratory mice, Mus musculus

Chemical signals from conspecifics can influence the behaviour and neuroendocrine axis of mice. Several different molecules are excreted with urine, depending on hormonal level, and can indicate the sex of the emitter. In male mice, these chemicals are the major urinary proteins (MUPs) and some small volatile odorant molecues that are found bound to them. We tested adult males for light avoidance behaviour in a two-chamber apparatus, with one light and one dark side, in the presence or absence of male urinary substances. The presence of chemical cues on either side of the cage was expected to modify light avoidance behaviour. The volatiles released from purified MUPs had the same effect as whole adult male urine, in that they induced a faster onset of exploration of the light compartment. The results show that mice can use the information carried by the odorant molecules released by MUPs to recognize the urine of male mice, and respond appropriately. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.