蜘蛛的“情网”——动物所发现蜘蛛的多组分性信息素

中国科学院动物研究所李枢强实验室利用GC-MS的定性定量分析和行为学测定相结合的途径,从北京幽灵蛛（Pholcus beijingensis）织结的蛛网上分离鉴定出了该种蜘蛛的雌性信息素-（E,E）-法尼醇乙酸酯和十六碳乙酸酯混合物（浓度比为2：1）,它们对雄性蜘蛛具有显著的吸引作用。这是中国学者首次从蜘蛛类群中鉴定出信息素成分,也是国际上首先发现蜘蛛的多组分信息素。     

我科学家首次从蜘蛛类群中鉴定出信息素成分

中国科学院动物所博士生肖永红、研究员张健旭、研究员李枢强利用GC-MS的定性定量分析和行为学测定相结合的途径,从北京幽灵蛛Pholcus beijingensis织结的蛛网上分离鉴定出了该种蜘蛛的雌性信息素-（E,E）-法尼醇乙酸酯和十六碳乙酸酯混合物（浓度比为2：1）,它们对雄性蜘蛛具有显著的吸引作用。     

雄性小鼠的社会优势地位、性吸引和信息素通讯

以前对小鼠的研究表明,优势雄鼠的尿液对雌性的吸引力比从属雄鼠大;同时,包皮腺分泌到尿液中的两个雄性信息素E-β-法尼烯和E, E- α-法尼烯含量相应升高,而尿液本身产生的两个雄性信息素成分--脱氢小蠹素和S-2-仲丁基- 二氢噻唑没有出现有效差异.为研究我们最近从小鼠(Mus musculus)包皮腺发现的两个雄性信息素16碳醇和16碳乙酸酯与雄性小鼠社会等级的关系, 我们将雄性小鼠两两配对饲养30天,让它们经历足够的社会争斗,建立起稳定的优势和从属关系.双项选择测试表明, 优势雄鼠的尿液对雌鼠的吸引比配对(组内)的从属鼠的强,优势雄鼠和来自另一配对组( 组间)的从属鼠尿液对雌鼠的吸引无差异.这说明优势和从属关系是相对于同一社群内的个体存在的.我们进一步用二氯甲烷分别萃取包皮腺分泌物和尿液,然后用气质联用(GC-MS )来定性和定量地分析组内优势和从属个体气味的化学组成的差异.结果表明:只有优势雄鼠的包皮腺产生的E-β-法尼烯和E, E-α-法尼烯含量一致高于从属雄鼠,而1 6碳醇和16碳乙酸酯以及尿液本身的脱氢小蠹素和丁基-二氢噻唑两个雄性信息素都无差异 .说明小鼠只利用包皮腺产生的两个分子量较小的雄性信息素浓度的相对升高传递社会优势地位的信息[动物学报 54(3):399-406,2008].     

视觉和嗅觉密度信号对布氏田鼠社会应激的影响

鼠类具有密度依赖的行为-内分泌反馈调节机制：当其种群密度升高时,会产生社会应激,增加紧张焦虑、攻击等行为,同时其神经内分泌也产生相应变化。然而,密度升高引起的社会应激可能涉及到视觉、嗅觉、触觉、听觉、味觉等不同感官,而不同感官对社会应激反应产生的独特作用尚不清楚。我们以前的研究发现,高密度饲养可导致雄性布氏田鼠脑部催产素（OT）表达量降低、后加压素（AVP）表达量升高、血清皮质酮（CORT）含量升高,并与攻击行为增加一致,但其中嗅觉和视觉密度信号的作用尚不清楚。嗅觉信号通常用于个体领域标记和社会地位识别,而视觉信号常用于应对竞争者或天敌的群体防御,因此,二者的社会应激效应可能不同。本研究利用巢垫和镜子分别模拟嗅觉和视觉密度信号,对布氏田鼠的行为（旷场、高架十字迷宫和三箱社交测试）、体重、器官、血清生理指标、脑部神经递质表达等变化进行了分析,评估了嗅觉和视觉密度信号对布氏田鼠社会应激反应的影响。研究发现,在高密度嗅觉刺激下,布氏田鼠脑部OT表达量减少、AVP表达量增加,与密度拥挤效应的影响相同（除雄性OT增加外）,说明高密度嗅觉信号是社会应激产生的主要信号通路。高密度视觉刺激下,雄性脑部OT表达量增加,雌性脑部糖皮质激素受体（GR）减少,且雌性血清促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）下降,焦虑性行为减少,说明高密度视觉信号是减少社会应激反应的主要信号通路。本研究揭示了视觉和嗅觉信号在社会性的布氏田鼠种群密度调节中发挥相反的调控作用,可能对于维持合适的种群密度或群体大小具有一定的生态适应意义。     

密度因素对布氏田鼠体重增长及免疫功能的影响

为了研究种群密度对布氏田鼠(Microtus brandti)免疫功能的影响，我们以分别取自稳定的同性别饲养群的成年布氏田鼠为对象，测定了雌性和雄性个体在低(1只／笼)、中(4只／笼)、高(8只／笼)3个饲养密度梯度下的生长及免疫指标，包括体重、睾丸重、脾脏重、血清抗体及皮质醇含量等。结果发现：(1)随着密度的升高，布氏田鼠的体重和雄性睾丸的重量有所降低；(2)中密度和高密度饲养条件下雌性的免疫水平高于低密度个体，但密度对雄性个体的免疫状况影响不大；(3)不同密度饲养条件下布氏田鼠血清中的皮质醇含量没有显著差异。这些结果表明，和睦稳定的种内关系未必对布氏田鼠造成社群压力，但密度能够影响布氏田鼠的生长、繁殖和免疫状况，而且这些影响存在着性别差异。     

非繁殖期成年雄性布氏田鼠对群体气体的辨别

本文研究了非繁殖期成年雄性布氏田鼠对陌生群本气味,本群体气体的社会探究行为和尿标记行为,探讨了布氏田鼠利用气味信号进行群体辨别的能力。在熟悉相的辨别实验中,雄鼠对陌生群体气味的社会探究和尿标记行为明显我于本群体气味和对照组,优势个体的探究和尿尿行为显著高于从属个体。实验结果表明,布氏田鼠具体对群体气味的辨别能力,在巢垫物中存在用于群体识别的化学通讯成分,优势鼠的气味标记可能性种内群体间的嗅觉通讯中     

炔雌醚对布氏田鼠繁殖的抑制效果

明确炔雌醚对鼠类繁殖抑制最适剂量及持续有效作用时间,对其后续相关理论研究和实践应用具有基础性作用。本研究以0.5 mg/kg、1.0mg/kg、2.0mg/kg、3.0mg/kg、6.0mg/kg浓度炔雌醚分别连续灌胃雄性和雌性布氏田鼠7d 后,与正常异性配对观察90ｄ。按繁殖启动期、繁殖率和繁殖力等最直观的指标综合评价了5个浓度炔雌醚对雌雄布氏田鼠的不育效果。室内条件下,炔雌醚能够延迟雌雄布氏田鼠的生殖启动,但可能由于样本量小,未达统计显著性。90ｄ 内,一定浓度的炔雌醚能够降低雌雄个体的繁殖率和平均每窝产仔数,同样未达统计显著性。一些浓度的药物能够显著降低布氏田鼠的繁殖力,其抑制效果无剂量相关性。推断炔雌醚对雄性布氏田鼠的最适不育作用浓度为2.0mg/kg左右,对雌性的最适不育作用浓度为1.0mg/kg左右。实际综合应用剂量2.0mg/kg左右,能有效降低布氏田鼠产仔总数,其持续时间可达90d。     

雷公藤制剂对雄性布氏田鼠的不育作用

采用强制给药和自由取食2种方式,研究了雷公藤制剂对发育期成体雄性布氏田鼠不育作用,给药剂量分别为80 mg/kg、120 mg/kg和160 mg/kg.结果表明,120 mg/kg和160 mg/kg剂量使睾丸脏器系数下降,但剂量组间差异不明显(F(3,21)=2.197, F0.05=3.07,P>0.05).不同剂量能够对附睾中精子数量和活力产生显著影响(F(3,21)=17.305, F0.05=3.07,P<0.05),且随药物剂量的升高精子密度与精子活力均呈下降趋势.精子畸形率亦随药物剂量的增加而增加.80 mg/kg及其更高的剂量使附睾出现萎缩并造成睾丸组织损伤.120 mg/kg剂量可减少布氏田鼠平均胎仔数及降低繁殖率.给药后的繁殖后代未发现畸形幼仔.雷公藤制剂的最佳使用剂量介于120～160 mg/kg.自由取食与连续强制给药两种方式对雄性布氏田鼠的作用差异不显著.     

非繁殖期成年雄性布氏四鼠对群体气味的辨别

本文研究了非繁殖期成年雄性布氏四鼠对陌生群体气味、本群体气味的社会探究行为和尿标记行为,探讨了布氏四鼠利用气味信号进行群体辨别的能力。在对熟悉相的辨别实验中,雄鼠对陌生群体气昧的社会探究和尿标记行为明显多于本群体气味和对照组,优势个体的探究和尿标记行为显著高于从属个体。实验结果表明：布氏田鼠具有对群体气味的辨别能力;在巢垫物中存在用于群体识别的化学通讯成分,优势鼠的气味标记可能在种内群体间的嗅觉通讯中起着重要的作用。     

雄性手术不育对布氏田鼠社会行为的影响

利用输精管结扎的方法对雄性布氏田鼠进行了不育处理,并研究了雄性不育后对布氏田鼠社会行为的影响．结果表明,与对照组相比,不育组中布氏田鼠的友好行为频次和对抗行为频次没有发生显著改变,而且不育组内部不育雄性和正常雄性之间在友好行为频次和对抗行为频次上也没有显著差异,说明结扎不育雄性对布氏田鼠的社会行为影响不大。     

植物气味化合物与斜纹夜蛾性信息素的协同作用

为提高现有性信息素对雄蛾的引诱活性, 本研究通过大量的田间试验探索植物气味化合物与斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura性信息素（顺9, 反11-十四碳二烯乙酸酯∶顺9, 反12-十四碳二烯乙酸酯=10∶1）的协同作用机制。从斜纹夜蛾寄主植物和花的气味化合物中, 选择9种有代表性的化合物, 并以一定剂量分别加入到斜纹夜蛾性信息素诱芯中, 在田间测试对雄蛾的引诱活性。结果表明: 在测试的9种植源性化合物中, 发现一定剂量(每个诱芯加入0.4 mg)的苯乙醛(PAA), 具有显著提高斜纹夜蛾性信息素的引诱作用, 而高剂量的苯乙醛则强烈抑制性信息素的引诱活性; 此外, 其他各种浓度的测试化合物或混合物对性信息素则没有统计上显著的增效作用。不同剂量的苯乙醛单个化合物及各种植物气味化合物组成的混合物对斜纹夜蛾也有微弱的引诱作用。苯乙醛必须要与性信息素的完整组分(以10∶1比例混合的顺9, 反11-十四碳二烯乙酸酯和顺9反, 12-十四碳二烯乙酸酯)混合才能起作用, 缺少顺9, 反12-十四碳二烯乙酸酯则没有引诱活性。本研究证明, 苯乙醛作为理想的性信息素诱芯增效剂, 可应用于建立更理想的斜纹夜蛾性信息素诱杀技术, 对性诱害虫防治和测报具有应用价值。     

四川短尾鼩包皮腺的挥发性化学成分分析

哺乳动物的包皮腺分泌物对个体间性引诱及繁殖行为的信息交流和种群调节有着重要的作用。本研究以四川短尾鼩（Anourosorex squamipes）为研究对象对劳亚食虫目动物包皮腺挥发性化学成分和化学通讯功能进行报道。采用顶空固相微萃取—气质联用（HS-SPME-GC/MS）的方法,分析四川短尾鼩雄体包皮腺中挥发性物质的化学组成。结果表明：（1）四川短尾鼩雄体包皮腺的挥发性化学成分主要含烷烃类、醇类、酮类、醛类、醚类、酯类、酸类、芳香烃类等45种化合物;（2）成年雄性四川短尾鼩的包皮腺中挥发性成分有39种,幼年雄性含有28种,说明四川短尾鼩成年雄体的包皮腺中挥发性化学成分多于幼年雄体;（3）成年雄体的包皮腺分泌物中含有4种特有的挥发性化学成分,幼年雄体中特有成分仅为1种,表明四川短尾鼩包皮腺中的挥发性化学成分存在年龄差异;（4）四川短尾鼩包皮腺分泌物中不同化学成分相对含量不同,同种化学成分在不同个体间的相对含量存在差异。四川短尾鼩雄性包皮腺挥发性化合物种类丰富,个体、年龄差异明显。推测挥发性化合物中丁酸（Butanoicacid）、乙酸乙酯（Ethyl acetate）、苯酚（Phenol）为四川短尾鼩的信息素。本研究为进一步验证该物种的信息素成分及其传递机制提供了基础数据。     

Comparison of pheromone application rates, point source densities, and dispensing methods for mating disruption of tufted apple bud moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Small-plot (approximately 0.1 ha) studies were used to evaluate different pheromone dispensing systems, application rates, and point-source densities for mating disruption of the tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker). Using polyvinyl chloride spirals impregnated with tufted apple bud moth pheromone (1:1 ratio of E11-tetradecenyl alcohol/E11-tetradecenyl acetate), pheromone rates of > or = 1,482 spirals per hectare (74.1 g pheromone per hectare) were superior to a rate of 988 spirals per hectare (49.4 g pheromone per hectare) in decreasing male response to pheromone traps in 1995, whereas no differences were detected among rates of 988, 1,482 and 1,975 spirals per hectare in 1996. Within a range of 370-988 pheromone dispensers per hectare, point source densities were equally effective in suppressing male response to pheromone traps. Pheromone-impregnated paraffin disks were equally effective at inhibiting male response to pheromone traps compared with polyvinyl chloride spirals. However, a paraffin emulsion formulation of pheromone applied with a hand-held grease gun provided longer residual communication disruption effects than polyvinyl chloride spirals. Dilution of paraffin emulsion pheromone formulations in water for application with a backpack sprayer and airblast sprayer rendered them ineffective in reducing male response to pheromone traps. The releases of pheromone from polyvinyl chloride spirals and paraffin disks aged in the field were described by a linear and negative logarithmic curve, respectively, indicating that dispenser life time should be longer for spirals. The ratio of acetate to alcohol components of pheromone released from spirals increased over time, whereas the release ratio remained more constant for paraffin disks. This suggests that the disruption efficacy of spirals may be prematurely reduced because of imbalance of the released components.     

Electrophysiological characterisation of olfactory sensilla in the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae

Electrophysiological responses of three different olfactory sensilla (proximal primary rhinaria (PPR), distal primary rhinaria (DPR) and secondary rhinaria (SR)) to the sex pheromone components, nepetalactol, nepetalactone, and a plant volatile, (E)-2-hexenal, were investigated in four different morphs of the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli. The DC responses recorded directly from the antennal sensilla and termed electrosensillograms (ESGs) were generally much larger (up to 14 mV) than electroantennogram (EAG) responses (up to 2.5 mV). Characteristic morph-specific response profiles to these compounds were observed in each type of rhinarium and response waveforms were different between (E)-2-hexenal and the sex pheromone components. (E)-2-Hexenal elicited the largest responses at PPR, while nepetalactol and nepetalactone elicited the largest responses at SR in gynoparae and males. Nepetalactol and nepetalactone also showed significant activities on DPR and PPR in all morphs. In contrast, (E)-2-hexenal had almost no activity on SR. However, almost all of the SR investigated in males and gynoparae were sensitive to both nepetalactol and nepetalactone. A small sub-set of male SR responded mainly to nepetalactol. SR of winged virginoparae did not respond to the sex pheromone compounds. Paraffin oil (the solvent control) also elicited significant responses at PPR in virginoparae but not in other morphs. In a further experiment, SR of winged virginoparae showed no response to 30 other plant volatile compounds or the alarm pheromone component, (E)-beta-farnesene. Nepetalactol and nepetalactone had similar dose-response profiles in the SR of gynoparae. The results indicate that SR in males and gynoparae are highly specialised to detect sex pheromone compounds, while the DPR and PPR are relatively broadly tuned to both plant volatiles and sex pheromone components. The presence of SR in winged virginoparae that are not responsive to sex pheromone components, alarm pheromone, or any of the plant volatile compounds tested may indicate a possible role of these sensilla to detect, as yet, unknown compound(s) with a high specificity. The present study also suggests that PPR may play a role in detecting paraffin-related compounds such as cuticular hydrocarbons of plants.     

A photoaffinity-labeled green leaf volatile compound 'tricks' highly selective and sensitive insect olfactory receptor neurons

The sex pheromone of the scarab beetle, Phyllopertha diversa, is emitted by females and specifically detected by olfactory receptor neurons in the male and female antennae. Single sensillum recordings showed that, in contrast to the less sensitive pheromone sensilla in females, olfactory receptor neurons in the male antennae had a low threshold (1 ng), which rivals those of moths. The male and female antennae also possessed olfactory receptor neurons specific for the detection of floral and green leaf volatile compounds. Detectors for the green leaf volatile (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate had a threshold (10 pg) far below the sensitivity of the pheromone-detecting machinery. In addition, these neurons showed a remarkable selectivity even when challenged with related compounds at 10000-fold higher concentrations. Surprisingly, a diazo analog, (Z)-3-hexenyl diazoacetate, elicited slightly higher nervous activity than the natural ligand in the neurons specific and selective for (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. The inability of the green leaf volatile-detecting machinery to discriminate the photoaffinity-labeled compound from the natural product indicates that the synthetic ligand interacts with odorant-binding protein, odorant receptor and odorant-degrading enzyme as does the cognate ligand.     

Volatile constituents of male and female boll weevils and their frass

The volatile constituents of male and female boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis, and their frass were analysed by GLC-MS. The 4 previously identified components of the male pheromone were present only in the male volatile oil (3·9%) and in the male frass volatile oil (38·9%). The compounds found in one or both sexes and their frass include 26 carbonyls, 23 hydrocarbons, 12 alcohols, 6 phenols, 4 esters, 3 furans, 1 ether, and 1 lactone. Also found were 2 compounds containing nitrogen, 1 halogen, and 1 sulphur. There were 33 terpenes and 24 aromatic compounds. 3,7-Dimethyl-1-octanol comprised 15·6 per cent of the male frass oil. Carvone was found only in females (5·4%) and in female frass (6·8%). A series of monoterpene aldehydes (M⁺ 152) were found only in the female frass oil. A pheromone rôle for these components was suggested.     

OLFACTORY RESPONSES OF COTTON BOLLWORM,HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA TO SEX PHEROMONE AND PLANT VOLATILE COMPONENTS*

Abstract Electroantennograms (EAGs) were recorded from unmated, laboratory-reared male and female Helicover pa armigera (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) adults to two sex pheromone components and a range of plant volatile components, some of which are known volatiles from leaves and fruits. The female-produced sex pheromone was not detected by other female moths. The sex pheromone components to which male moths responded previously show to possess biological activity. As for plant volatile components, a large degree of EAG response uniformity between male and female moth was observed. The greatest EAG responses of all plant volatiles tested were elicited by monoenic C-6 alcohol and aldehyde. They are constituents of the “general green-leaf odor” that emanates from most plants. The potential adaptive benefit of selective perception to sex pheromone and green-leaf volatile components is discussed.     

棉铃虫Helicverpa armigera对性外激素和植物气味物质的嗅觉反应(英文)

本文用EAG技术研究棉铃虫对性外激素和植物气味物质的嗅觉反应。供试的气味物质有棉铃虫性外激素的二种主要组分和36种与棉铃虫寄主植物有关的植物气味物质。试验结果表明：1）只有棉铃虫雄蛾对性外激素组分产生反应,二种性外激素的组分中,Z-11-16：AL能引起较强的EAG反应。2）对植物气味物质,雌雄棉铃虫之间的嗅觉反应没有明显的差异。棉铃虫对性外激素和植物气味组分的嗅觉感受过程是一个有选择性的感受过程：不同种类的气味物质能引起不同的EAG反应。只有棉铃虫雄蛾才对性外激素组分起反应,在二种性外激素组分中：主要组分：Z-11-16：AL引起的EAG反应最高,高于大多数植物气味物质。次要组分Z-9-16：AL引起的EAG反应很弱。雌、雄棉铃虫对植物气味组分的嗅觉反应的选择性表现出一致的规律：对苯甲醛和绿叶气味物质的反应最高。单萜类中的萜烯衍生物（萜类醇、醛、酯等）的触角电位反应次之。棉铃虫对大多数的供试化合物的EAG反应都很小。最后,作者讨论了性外激素和植物气味物质对棉铃虫行为的作用。     

Antennal responses of Cydia pomonella (L.) exposed to surfaces treated with methoxyfenozide

Electroantennogram (EAG) measurements were recorded from the antennae of male and female codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., to determine whether adult moths exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonist methoxyfenozide experience a decline in their antennal reception and thus olfactory sensitivity. Such a phenomenon would offer a possible mechanism for the previously reported decreased responsiveness from moths treated with methoxyfenozide to pheromone‐ and plant volatile‐based monitoring lures. Mean EAG data revealed that the antennae from methoxyfenozide‐treated male moths appear to be just as sensitive to various doses of synthetic codlemone as the antennae from the control and surfactant‐treated moths, but they appeared to be less sensitive to the pheromone component 12OH (collected from female effluvia) than the control male antennae. Mean male EAG responses to the pheromone components E8,E10‐12Al and codlemone collected from methoxyfenozide‐treated females were significantly less than the responses towards those two pheromone components collected from the control and surfactant‐treated females. Female moth exposure to methoxyfenozide did not negatively impact the sensitivity of female antennae to the plant volatile pear ester, but it did towards the apple volatile butyl hexanoate. Data from this study show that adult C. pomonella exposure to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces does appear to negatively impact, in a minor way, the (i) olfactory sensitivity (or detection) of male antennae towards some components of the female sex pheromone, (ii) the female antennal sensitivity towards a key apple volatile and (iii) the attractiveness of female pheromone effluvia.     

Behavioral responses to the alarm pheromone of the ant Camponotus obscuripes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The alarm pheromone of the ant Camponotus obscuripes (Formicinae) was identified and quantified by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Comparisons between alarm pheromone components and extracts from the major exocrine gland of this ant species revealed that the sources of its alarm pheromone are Dufour's gland and the poison gland. Most components of Dufour's gland were saturated hydrocarbons. n-Undecane comprised more than 90% of all components and in a single Dufour's gland amounted to 19 microg. n-Decane and n-pentadecane were also included in the Dufour's gland secretion. Only formic acid was detected in the poison gland, in amounts ranging from 0.049 to 0.91 microl. This ant species releases a mixture of these substances, each of which has a different volatility and function. When the ants sensed formic acid, they eluded the source of the odor; however, they aggressively approached odors of n-undecane and n-decane, which are highly volatile. In contrast, n-pentadecane, which has the lowest volatility among the identified compounds, was shown to calm the ants. The volatilities of the alarm pheromone components were closely related to their roles in alarm communication. Highly volatile components vaporized rapidly and spread widely, and induced drastic reactions among the ants. As these components became diluted, the less volatile components calmed the excited ants. How the worker ants utilize this alarm communication system for efficient deployment of their nestmates in colony defense is also discussed herein.