Some chemical constituents of the secretion from the temporal gland of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Abstract

The temporal glands of African elephants were examined macroscopically and histologically, and were found to be modified apocrine sweat glands. The secretion from these glands was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and some of the major volatile components have been identified as phenol and m- and p-cresol. © 1978 Plenum Publishing Corporation.