Original here
Male Axillary Extracts Contain Pheromones that Affect Pulsatile Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone and Mood in
Women Recipients
George Preti2,3,4, Charles J. Wysocki3,5, Kurt T. Barnhart6, Steven J. Sondheimer6 and
James J. Leyden4
Monell Chemical Senses Center,3 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 Department of Dermatology,4
School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 Department of Animal Biology,5
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology,6 School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Human
underarm secretions, when applied to women recipients, alter the length and timing of the menstrual cycle. These
effects are thought to arise from exposure to primer pheromones that are produced in the underarm. Pheromones can
affect endocrine (primer) or behavioral (releaser) responses, provide information (signaler), or perhaps even modify
emotion or mood (modulator). In this study, we extracted underarm secretions from pads worn by men and placed the
extract under the nose of women volunteers while monitoring serum LH and emotion/mood. Pulses of LH are excellent
indicators of the release of GnRH from the brain's hypothalamus. In women, the positive influence of GnRH on LH
affects the length and timing of the menstrual cycle, which, in turn, affects fertility. Here we show that extracts
of male axillary secretions have a direct effect upon LH-pulsing and mood of women. In our subjects, the putative
male pheromone(s) advanced the onset of the next peak of LH after its application, reduced tension, and increased
relaxation. These results demonstrate that male axillary secretions contain one or more constituents that act as
primer and modulator pheromones.
