Cats produce a chemical in the saliva with which to terrorize the mice, according to a study published in the journal Cell.
The compound, called higher urinary protein (Mup) acts on the cells of a special sensory organ in mice, called the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson. Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California (USA), found that when mice detect this substance, also present in the urine of rats, react with genuine terror.
was already known that in many mammals, the vomeronasal organ can detect pheromones, chemical messengers that communicate information between individuals of the same species. But the new study the scientists show that in mice this organ neurons are also stimulated by chemical signals emitted by predators. Evolve to develop a receiver capable of detecting signals from predators, scientists say, helps rodents to avoid being eaten.
Surprisingly, says the author of the study, Lisa Stowers, is that in experiments in which overturned the vomeronasal organs of mice when the animals interact with a live anesthetized rat but showed no evidence of fear. "One of the mice in the experiment even snuggled and fell asleep next to the rat, "says the researcher.
The compound, called higher urinary protein (Mup) acts on the cells of a special sensory organ in mice, called the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson. Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California (USA), found that when mice detect this substance, also present in the urine of rats, react with genuine terror.
was already known that in many mammals, the vomeronasal organ can detect pheromones, chemical messengers that communicate information between individuals of the same species. But the new study the scientists show that in mice this organ neurons are also stimulated by chemical signals emitted by predators. Evolve to develop a receiver capable of detecting signals from predators, scientists say, helps rodents to avoid being eaten.
Surprisingly, says the author of the study, Lisa Stowers, is that in experiments in which overturned the vomeronasal organs of mice when the animals interact with a live anesthetized rat but showed no evidence of fear. "One of the mice in the experiment even snuggled and fell asleep next to the rat, "says the researcher.
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