The vomeronasal system of the wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The singularities of a wild canid

Journal of Anatomy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 245(1), P. 109 - 136

Published: Feb. 16, 2024

Wolves, akin to their fellow canids, extensively employ chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronisation and social hierarchy signalling. Pheromone-mediated communication operates unconsciously among individuals, serving as an innate sensory modality that regulates both physiology behaviour. Despite its crucial role in the life wolf, there is a lacuna comprehensive research on neuroanatomical physiological underpinnings within this species. This study investigates vomeronasal system (VNS) Iberian simultaneously probing potential alterations brought about by dog domestication. Our findings demonstrate presence fully functional VNS, vital pheromone-mediated wolf. While macroscopic similarities between VNS wolf domestic are discernible, notable microscopic differences emerge. These distinctions include neuronal clusters associated with epithelium organ (VNO) heightened degree differentiation accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Immunohistochemical analyses reveal expression two primary families receptors (V1R V2R) VNO. However, only V1R family expressed AOB. not yield profound insights into but also hint at how domestication might have altered neural configurations underpin species-specific behaviours. understanding holds implications development innovative strategies, such application semiochemicals population management, aligning contemporary conservation goals.

Language: Английский

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The vomeronasal system of the Steller sea lion

Journal of Anatomy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 1, 2025

The vomeronasal system receives pheromones and kairomones in mammals, its receptor organ primary integrative center comprise the (VNO) accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), respectively. Because cetaceans, sirenians, harbor seals no longer have a system, it might not be important to some marine mammals. On other hand, an AOB has been confirmed three species of family Otariidae, although whether they also VNO investigated. Therefore, we detailed morphological histological features Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). entire extended vertically within incisive foramen, lumen formed short common duct with open into oral cavity. was narrow passed through lateral part VNO. extensively covered sensory epithelium non-sensory ventrolaterally. A dense arrangement basal cells implied that rapid turnover supporting repaired salt-induced damage. lacked large venous sinuses, suggesting lions pull substances by suction mechanism after closing nostril. glands beneath epithelia contained abundant mucoserous mucous cells, Mucous stained positive for Alcian blue (pH 1.0), indicating these protect against seawater. These properties significantly differ from those terrestrial carnivorous species. Immunohistochemical findings anti-G protein α-subunits i2 (Gαi2) o (Gαo) revealed expresses type-1 receptors coupled Gαi2 detect volatile substances, but type-2 Gαo receive water-soluble substances. indicate importance lions, especially when on land.

Language: Английский

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The Complementary Role of Gestures in Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) Communication

Animals, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(10), P. 1366 - 1366

Published: May 9, 2025

Spotted hyenas live in fission–fusion social societies, requiring them to adopt a flexible multimodal communication system across variable spatial scales. However, researchers have extensively studied acoustic and olfactory signals for conspecific compared visual signals, especially wild populations. Here, we reviewed 46 articles on the Web of Science captive spotted hyena populations synthesize our collective knowledge extent which utilize sensory cues communicate how they are between Across all articles, 54% focused (n = 25), 33% olfaction 15), leaving only 13% vision 6). Most this research (82%; n 38), an intriguing gap their potential developing behavioral innovations due robust cognition (i.e., modifying form and/or function observed better accommodate performer’s environment needs). Improving understanding innovation development species has possible benefits studying evolution improving welfare (e.g., identifying normal vs. stereotypic behavior) carnivore.

Language: Английский

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First Immunohistochemical Demonstration of the Expression of a Type-2 Vomeronasal Receptor, V2R2, in Wild Canids

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 25(13), P. 7291 - 7291

Published: July 2, 2024

The mammalian vomeronasal system enables the perception of chemical signals crucial for social communication via receptor families V1R and V2R. These receptors are linked with G-protein subunits, Gαi2 Gαo, respectively. Exploring evolutionary pathways V1Rs V2Rs across species remains a significant challenge, particularly when comparing genomic data emerging immunohistochemical evidence. Recent studies have revealed expression Gαo in neuroepithelium wild canids, including wolves foxes, contradicting predictions based on current annotations. Our study provides detailed evidence, mapping V2R sensory epithelium, focusing specifically foxes. An additional objective involves contrasting these findings those from domestic like dogs to highlight impacts domestication systems. employment specific antibody raised against mouse V2R2, member C-family receptors, V2Rs, has confirmed presence V2R2-immunoreactivity (V2R2-ir) fox wolf, but it lack dog. This may reflect impact regression VNS this species, contrast their counterparts, underscores effects artificial selection functions. Thus, suggest more refined detection capability species.

Language: Английский

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First Immunohistochemical Demonstration of the Expression of a Type-2 Vomeronasal Receptor, V2R, in Wild Canids

Published: March 18, 2024

The vomeronasal system serves as a pivotal element in mammalian sensory biology, allowing the perception of chemical signals essential for social communication via activation two main receptor families, V1R and V2R. expression V1Rs V2Rs is linked with that G-protein alpha-subunits, Gαi2 Gαo, respectively. exploration evolutionary pathways across all species remains challenge, juxtaposing available genomic data against emerging immunohistochemical evidence. However, recent investigations, contrast to what predicted by currently annotated sequences, have revealed Gαo neuroepithelium wild canids, including wolves foxes. In present study, employment specific antibody raised mouse V2R2, member C-family receptors, V2Rs, has confirmed this fox wolf, but it lack dog. This may reflect impact domestication on regression VNS species, their counterparts, underscores effects artificial selection functions. Thus, these findings suggest more refined detection capability species.

Language: Английский

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The Incisive Duct as a Pathway for Early Vomeronasal Communication in Neonatal Dogs

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 28, 2024

ABSTRACT The detection of chemical signals by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) is critical for communication among mammals from an early age, influencing behaviors such as suckling and recognition mother conspecifics. Located in a concealed position at base nasal cavity, VNO features duct covered with sensory epithelium rich neuroreceptors. A aspect functionality efficient access stimuli oral cavities to receptors. In adult dogs, it has been demonstrated through vivo magnetic resonance imaging anatomically postmortem how (VD) communicates environment incisive (ID). However, newborn puppies, existence functional between ID VD not confirmed date, raising doubts about potential physiological obliteration due its small size degree immaturity puppies birth. Determining this necessary evaluate role played phase survival socialization puppies. This study employs serial histological staining techniques examine presence neonatal dogs. sections have both ducts perinatal dual cavities. shows uninterrupted lumen along path associated sophisticated cartilaginous complex that prevents collapse, well erectile tissue blood vessels connective acts cushion, facilitating action under pressure induced sampling tonguing. investigation demonstrates communicative capabilities during stage

Language: Английский

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Characterization of Eye and Adnexal Tissues in Dogs and Wolves: A Histological and Lectin-Histochemical Approach

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 28, 2024

Abstract This study explores the ocular anatomy and glandular components of domestic dogs compared to their ancestor, wolf, with aim identifying evolutionary changes due domestication implications for pathologies. Utilizing histological histochemical techniques, including hematoxylin-eosin, PAS, Alcian Blue, lectins, this research conducts a detailed analysis canine wolf systems, particularly focusing on eyelids, tarsal glands, conjunctival tissues. Results indicate significant differences between two species, in thickness secretion levels epithelia structure glands. Dogs exhibit thicker epithelium greater PAS Blue positive secretion, suggesting enhanced protection lubrication adapted environments. Conversely, wolves display more concentrated secretions predominance acidic mucopolysaccharides, aligning adaptation natural habitats. also highlights translational value as models human diseases, given anatomical physiological similarities humans. Such comparisons are essential they provide insights that can lead advancements medical clinical applications, especially development treatments surface disorders.

Language: Английский

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Neuroanatomy of the Accessory Olfactory Bulb in the Fossorial Water Vole

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 12, 2024

Abstract The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) plays a key role in processing chemical signals crucial for species-specific social and reproductive behaviors. While extensive research has focused on the vomeronasal system of laboratory rodents, less is known about wild species, particularly those that rely heavily communication. This study aims to characterize morphological neurochemical organization AOB fossorial water vole ( Arvicola scherman ), subterranean rodent species from family Cricetidae. We have employed histological techniques, including Nissl hematoxylin staining, as well immunohistochemical lectin-histochemical markers, assess structure. Our findings reveal exhibits distinct laminar with prominent mitral cells mitral-plexiform layer, dense labeling periglomerular short-axon glomerular layer. Lectin histochemistry further confirmed zonation patterns analogous seen other species. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significant expression PGP 9.5, suggesting its involvement maintaining neuronal activity within AOB. In contrast, absence SMI-32 AOB, compared strong main bulb, highlights functional distinctions between these two subsystems. These structural characteristics suggest adapted enhanced chemosensory signals, which may play pivotal lifestyle. results provide foundation future studies exploring implications adaptations, potential improvements integrated management populations.

Language: Английский

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The Accessory Olfactory Bulb in Arvicola scherman: A Neuroanatomical Study in a Subterranean Mammal

Animals, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(22), P. 3285 - 3285

Published: Nov. 14, 2024

The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) processes chemical signals crucial for species-specific socio-sexual behaviors. There is limited information about the AOB of wild rodents, and this study aims to characterize neurochemical organization in fossorial water vole (Arvicola scherman), a subterranean Cricetidae rodent. We employed histological, immunohistochemical, lectin-histochemical techniques. these voles exhibits distinct laminar organization, with prominent mitral cells dense population periglomerular cells. Lectin histochemistry G-protein immunohistochemistry confirmed existence an antero-posterior zonation. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significant expression PGP 9.5, suggesting its involvement maintaining neuronal activity within AOB. In contrast, absence SMI-32 labelling AOB, compared strong main bulb, highlights functional distinctions between two subsystems. Calcium-binding proteins allowed characterization atypical sub-bulbar nuclei topographically related All features suggest that Arvicola scherman adapted enhanced processing chemosensory signals, which may play pivotal role lifestyle. Our results provide foundation future studies exploring implications adaptations, including potential improvements management populations.

Language: Английский

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