The influence of pheromons on reproduction and other important physiological characteristics has been
reported for many mammalian species. However, mechanisms of this action at the level of target cells still remain unclear.
A study was made of the influence of non-identified pheromones from adult males and a female pheromone 2,5-dimethylpyrazine
on germ cells of CBA inbred strain mice. Cytogenetic analysis shows a significant increase in such meiotic disturbances as
multivalent associations and autsomal univalents 24 h after exposure to pheromonal cues. Results of in situ hybridization
show that the level of c-fos and c-jun expression is significantly higher 3,5 h after exposure to pheromones
of adult males. It is likely that destabilization of chromosomal apparatus in dividing meiotic cells forms the basis of some
reproductive effects of murine pheromones. Possible mechanisms of pheromone influence on reproduction are discussed.
Key words: pheromones, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, spermatocyte, meiotic disturbances, c-fos, c-jun,
reproduction
