Darcin, the Murine Sexual Pheromone
Darcin (named after Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy) is a chemosignal secreted in the urine of male mice in a testosterone-dependent fashion. This Major Urinary Protein (MUP) is detected by female mice through their vomeronasal system, which find it innatively attractive, thus fulfilling the role of sexual pheromone. Interestingly, however, when the female is experiencing her […]
Darcin (named after Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy) is a chemosignal secreted in the urine of male mice in a testosterone-dependent fashion. This Major Urinary Protein (MUP) is detected by female mice through their vomeronasal system, which find it innatively attractive, thus fulfilling the role of sexual pheromone. Interestingly, however, when the female is experiencing her maternal period, this pheromone is processed in an entirely different way by the maternal brain, eliciting fierce attacks onto the corresponding male (maternal aggression). This illustration reflects the dual meaning of this pheromone to the female, depending on her endocrine status. More info here.
Digital medium. This piece was commissioned for the cover of the special issue Chemosignals and Reproduction of the journal Hormones and Behaviour .
