Characterizing the scent and chemical composition of Panthera leo marking fluid using solid-phase microextraction and multidimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-olfactometry

Abstract

Lions (Panthera leo) use chemical signaling to indicate health, reproductive status, and territorial ownership. To date, no study has reported on both scent and composition of marking fluid (MF) from P. leo. The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop a novel method for simultaneous chemical and scent identification of lion MF in its totality (urine + MF), 2) identify characteristic odorants responsible for the overall scent of MF as perceived by human panelists, and 3) compare the existing library of known odorous compounds characterized as eliciting behaviors in animals in order to understand potential functionality in lion behavior. Solid-phase microextraction and simultaneous chemical-sensory analyses with multidimensional gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry improved separating, isolating, and identifying mixed (MF, urine) compounds versus solvent-based extraction and chemical analyses. 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, 4-methylphenol, and 3-methylcyclopentanone were isolated and identified as the compounds responsible for the characteristic odor of lion MF. Twenty-eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from MF were identified, adding a new list of compounds previously unidentified in lion urine. New chemicals were identified in nine compound groups: ketones, aldehydes, amines, alcohols, aromatics, sulfur-containing compounds, phenyls, phenols, and volatile fatty acids. Twenty-three VOCs are known semiochemicals that are implicated in attraction, reproduction, and alarm-signaling behaviors in other species.

Sex differences in scent‐marking in captive red‐ruffed lemurs

“…In particular, high‐molecular weight volatile hydrocarbons might act as a fixative which slows the release of more volatile compounds, as suggested for major urinary proteins in mice (Greene et al, ; Hurst et al, ). The compounds benzaldehyde, p‐cresol (also known as p‐methylphenol), hexanal, and geranylacetone are commonly encountered in mammal scent markings (e.g., lions, wild dogs, wolves, mice, red foxes) (Osada, Miyazono, & Kashiwayanagi, ; Roberts et al, ; Soso & Koziel, ). The compound benzaldehyde has already been found in gland secretions released by marmosets (Smith et al, ), and functions as sex pheromone in other mammals (reviewed in El‐Sayed, ) and also as cue to genetic quality (reviewed in Wyatt, ) in other vertebrates (e.g., in the crested auklet, a seabird with citrus scent based on decanal and octanal produced by both sexes during the breeding season, concentration correlates with rank in males).…”

Simultaneous choice bioassays accompanied by physiological changes identify civetone and decanoic acid as pheromone candidates for giant pandas

“…Behavioral and physiological (volatile profile and androgen concentration) responses in male giant pandas were greatest when exposed to civetone and decanoic acid compared with the control, suggesting their role as pheromones for giant pandas. Similar compounds have been identified as potential chemosensory molecules in the African civet (Kingston, 1965) and many wild cat species such as tigers (Brahmachary, Poddar‐Sarkar, & Dutta, 1992; Poddar‐Sarkar, 1991), cheetahs (Poddar‐Sarkar & Brahmachary, 1997), leopards (Poddar‐Sarkar, 2004), and lions (Soso & Koziel, 2017). These two compounds elicited behavioral changes when responses were pooled across seasons as well as when the responses were analyzed separately in spring and fall.…”

Quantification of VOC Emissions from Carbonized Refuse-Derived Fuel Using Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

“…Measurements of VOCs were made using headspace (HS) solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technology for gas extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Palo Alto, CA, USA) for analyses. SPME technology combines sampling and sample preparation and is suited for exploratory qualitative and quantitative work on VOC emissions from a wide range of sources such as contaminated soils [20,21], decaying animal carcasses [22,23], fermentation by-products in beverages and aromas in wines [24,25], biological fluids and gases [26,27,28,29,30]. A comprehensive review of SPME applications to food and environmental analysis was published by Merkle et al [31].…”

“…The SPME exposure lasted 20 min, similarly to the types of coatings and extraction times used for VOC emissions from solid, porous matter. The DVB/CAR/PDMS 50/30 μm SPME coating is often recommended and used for exploratory work on VOC emissions from unknown sources [25,26,28]. The coating represents a mixture of polymers capable of extracting VOCs with a wide range of properties, i.e., suitable for the work with CRDF.…”