Pheromone Perception in Fish: Mechanisms and Modulation by Internal Status

Synopsis Pheromones are chemical signals that facilitate communication between animals, and most animals use pheromones for reproduction and other forms of social behavior. The identification of key ligands and olfactory receptors used for pheromonal communication provides insight into the sensory processing of these important cues. An individual's responses to pheromones can be plastic, as physiological status modulates behavioral outputs. In this review, we outline the mechanisms for pheromone sensation and highlight physiological mechanisms that modify pheromone-guided behavior. We focus on hormones, which regulate pheromonal communication across vertebrates including fish, amphibians, and rodents. This regulation may occur in peripheral olfactory organs and the brain, but the mechanisms remain unclear. While this review centers on research in fish, we will discuss other systems to provide insight into how hormonal mechanisms function across taxa.

Automated summary

Pheromones are chemical signals used by animals for communication, particularly in reproduction and social behavior. Understanding the mechanisms and physiological regulation of pheromone sensing provides insight into how animals process these important cues. This review focuses on hormones that regulate pheromonal communication across vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, and rodents, and explores their effects on peripheral olfactory organs and the brain. While the primary focus is on fish, other systems are discussed to provide a broader understanding of how hormonal mechanisms function across different taxa.