Non-VNO "Pheromone" receptors

[jvkohl]

Here is more evidence against the likelihood of a functional human VNO.

Liberles SD, Buck LB. A second class

of chemosensory receptors in the olfactory epithelium.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal...ature05066.pdf

Key Finding: Genes that

code for receptors, called 'trace amine-associated receptors' are present in human, mouse and fish. These

receptors, like other odor receptors are expressed in unique subsets of neurons dispersed in the olfactory

epithelium. In mice there are at least three of these receptors. One receptor recognizes volatile amines found in

urine. Another one detects a stress-related compound, and two others detect compounds that are found in different

concentrations in male versus female urine. One of these compounds is reported to be a pheromone. Collectively,

these findings indicate that chemical signals that are likely to function as pheromones are processed by the main

olfactory system of mammals, rather than by the accessory olfactory system, which includes the vomeronasal

organ.

JVK

Discussion on this topic can be found by

clicking here.