The Mammalian Vomeronasal System: Its Role in Learning and Social Behaviors

Abstract

In mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs, lesion of vomerosasal system can: prevent the accelerated onset of puberty in females often resulting from exposure to male chemosignals; prevent the production of maturation inhibiting substance and disrupt estrous synchrony in group housed females; prevent males from showing surge in LH and testosterone upon exposure to chemosignals from females; reduce aggression; disrupt courtship and mating; prevent reabsorption of embryos in recently inseminated females exposed to chemosignals from males. All these effects are affected by experience prior to loss of vomeronasal organ.