Spectacular photoluminescence (PL) phenomena have been increasingly reported in various organisms from diverse ecosystems. However, the chemical basis of this PL remains poorly defined, and its potential ecological function is still blurry, especially in mammals. Here we used state-of-the-art spectroscopy and multispectral imaging techniques to document new cases of mammalian ultraviolet-induced PL (UV-PL) and to identify free-base porphyrins and natural derivatives as the organic compounds responsible for the reddish luminescence observed in the hairs and spines of distantly related species. We argue that pink to red UV-PL is predominantly observed in crepuscular and nocturnal mammals because porphyrins are photodegradable, and that this phenomenon might not have a specific function in intra- or interspecific communication but consists of a byproduct of a widespread physiological condition, overlooked in mammals.Co-first authors: Séverine Toussaint and Jasper Ponstein
Examples of photoluminescence (PL) are being reported with increasing frequency in a wide range of organisms from diverse ecosystems. However, the chemical basis of this PL remains poorly defined, and our understanding of its potential ecological function is still superficial. Amongst mammals, recent analyses have identified free-base porphyrins as the compounds responsible for the reddish ultraviolet-induced photoluminescence (UV-PL) observed in the pelage of springhares and hedgehogs. However, the localization of the pigments within the hair largely remains to be determined. Here we use photoluminescence multispectral imaging emission and excitation spectroscopy to detect, map and characterize porphyrinic compounds in skin appendages in situ. We also document new cases of mammalian UV-PL caused by free-base porphyrins in distantly related species. Spatial distribution of the UV-PL is strongly suggestive of an endogenous origin of the porphyrinic compounds. We argue that reddish UV-PL is predominantly observed in crepuscular and nocturnal mammals because porphyrins are photodegradable. Consequently, this phenomenon may not have a specific function in intra- or interspecific communication but rather represents a byproduct of potentially widespread physiological processes.Co-first authors: Séverine Toussaint and Jasper Ponstein
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