Pheromone

Alyssa Cannataro = **Pheromone**  =

**Background** Peter Karlson and Martin Lüscher originally introduced the term “pheromone” in the year 1959, (Kohl et al., 2001). Together, they based this new term on the combined Greek words pherein and hormone//.// In Greek, pherein means, “to transport” and hormone means, “to stimulate.” (Kohl et al., 2001). **Definition** Pheromones can be defined as chemical substances, naturally produced and secreted by the body, that are detected by another member of the same species. With regards to sexual attraction and sexual communication, these substances function as a way to subconsciously communicate one’s sexual attraction to another, (Regelson, 2002). **How Pheromones Work** Humans have various glands all over their body and face, and i t i s when secretions from these glands interact with the bacteria on a person’s skin and body hair, that pheromones are released. (Regelson, 2002). These pheromones are then subconsciously detected and received by another member of the same species through their sense of smell. Surprisingly enough, the nose is an organ that is crucial to a human being’s sexuality. Our sense of smell, also known as, “the role of olfaction,” is directly linked to a number of different sexual practices, (Regelson, 2002). For example, olfaction has been said to determine whether we prefer members of the opposite or same sex, and also why we enjoy kissing and oral sex. Not only that, but the detection of pheromones can also provide humans with the ability to sense who could be a potential lover versus who might be a better friend. Clearly, sexual identity and sexual practices are heavily influenced by sexual or pheromonal odor communication, (Regelson, 2002). **Vome****ronasal System & Jacobson’s Organ** The human n ose and the sense of smell play a large role in sexual communication with pheromones. It is because of the vomeronasal sy stem, commonly referred to as the VOS, that humans have the ability to detect these sexual odors known as pheromones, (Regelson, 2002). The VOS is located in the nose along with the main olfactory system (MOS) as well, however the MOS is used to identify food odors, (Regelson, 2002). At the center of t he VOS, is the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Many scientists and researchers refer to the VNO as Jacobson’s Organ and believe it to be the key receptor of the VOS. The Danish scientist, Lud wig Levin Jaco bs on, first discovered Jacobson’s Organ in the year 1811, (Regelson, 2002). Jacobson’s Organ is what is known to detect pheromones. Once these odors are detected, Jacobson’s Organ translates these odors into chemical transmitting signals by using the nostrils and then sends this information to the limbic brain, (Regelson, 2002). The limbic brain is the part of the brain that registers a person’s primitive instincts. Emotions, such as sex drive, fear, and the flight or fight response are activated here. Therefore, the limbic brain is key to a human’ s survival, (Regelson, 2002). **Debate About Pheromones** Many scientists believe that humans have a functioning Jacobson’s Organ, however there are also a number of professionals who disagree. The question about pheromones existing in humans has long been debated. According to //LiveScience Journal//, “half a century after the discovery of pheromones in animals, scientists have yet to conclusively identify a single such chemical in humans,” (Bryner, 2009). On the other hand, it is certain that animals use pheromones to communicate nonverbally. Animals transmit these chemical signals through the air, most often with the purpose of mating or defending one’s territory, (Bryner, 2009). According to Martha McClintock, an American psychologist most famous for her research and findings involving human pheromones, “Animals’ pheromones are involved very strongly in the care of offspring, in recognizing members of your social group, and in recognizing family members," (Benson, 2002). After numerous studies, scientists have concluded that animals do in fact have a working vomeronasal organ that receives pheromones and then leads them to a mate, (Levine, 1999). With regards to humans however, not all scientists can agree upon whether or not the human species has a functioning VNO. Some scientists do not believe humans have a VNO at all and that pheromonal communication is not present amongst humans, where as others believe that humans do in fact have a functioning VNO, (Levine, 1999). Some experts even say that humans do not have a VNO, but that pheromonal communication can still occur even with the absence of this organ, (Regelson, 2002). Clearly, the debate about pheromonal communication is still very present throughout the scientific and medical communities. **Pheromonal Communication Research** In an attempt to reach a conclusion on the continuing debate about pheromones, a small number of research studies and experiments have been conducted over the years. One of the most well known studies on pheromones is the research done by Martha McClintock. In 1971, McClintock, who at the time was only an undergraduate at Wellesley College, published a study about pheromones and their effect on women’s menstrual cycles, (Benson, 2002). Martha’s research showed that women who lived together had a tendency to menstruate at the same time every month. McClintock believed this effect was caused by pheromones. However, it was not until several years later that McClintock proved this theory more fully when she conducted an experiment with another woman by the name of Kathleen Stern. McClintock and Stern’s experiment involved applying fluids from a donor woman’s underarm and placing them onto the upper lip of a female recipient, (Benson, 2002). This experiment demonstrated the ability for a female’s pheromones to speed up or slow down another female’s menstrual period, (Benson, 2002). The pheromones that were believed to be responsible for "menstrual synchrony" are referred to as “primers,” (Benson, 2002). These primers are said to be able to influence long-term changes in hormone levels. For example, primer pheromones can influence hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle and also hormone levels at the onset of puberty and pregnancy, (Benson, 2002). On the other hand, there is also another category of pheromones known as “releaser pheromones.” These releaser pheromones are said to trigger behavioral responses, such as sexual intercourse, (Benson, 2002). The combination of McClintock’s research and the findings from other scientists in the past, have exhibited some evidence to the effect of pheromones on human behavior. However, much research is still needed in order to fully understand the concept of pheromones and their relationship with sexual communication amongst humans. According to Cornell University psychologist, Robert Johnston, “The biological details of how pheromones affect humans remain a total mystery, although a few tantalizing clues are beginning to emerge,” (Benson, 2002). Benson, Etienne. (2002). Pheromones, in context. //American Psychological Association,// 33, 46.
 * References**

Bryner, Jeanna. (2009). Sexual Pheromones: Myth or Reality? //LiveScience Journal.// Retrieved on April 7, 2011 from []

Kohl, J., Atzmueller, M., Fink, B. & Grammar, K. (2001). Human Pheromones: Integrative Neuroendocrinology & Ethology. //Neuroendocrinology// //Letters,// 22, 309-321.

Levine, Deb. (1999). Pheromones Potential Participants in your Sex Life. //CNN Health.// Retrieved April 7, 2011 from [|http://articles.cnn.com/19990625/health/9906_25_sexuality.scent_1_pheromones-vomeronasal-organ-] [|menstrual-cycles?_s=PM:HEALTH]

Regelson. (2002). //Pheromones – Understanding the Mystery of Sexual Attraction.// ** Petaluma, ** ** CA: Smart Publications. **

** VNO Diagram. [photograph]. (2010). Retrieved on April 7, 2011 from __http://www.alphaero.com/about-pheromones/vno-and-pheromones.aspx__ **