Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 99203, USA.
Cell Tissue Res. 2021 Jan;383(1):327-345. doi: 10.1007/s00441-020-03408-1. Epub 2021 Jan 11.
Pheromonal communication is an ancient and pervasive sensory modality in urodelan amphibians. One family of salamander pheromones (the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) family) originated 300 million years ago, at the origin of amphibians. Although salamanders are often thought of as relatively simple animals especially when compared to mammals, the pheromonal systems are varied and complex with nuanced effects on behavior. Here, we review the function and evolution of pheromonal signals involved in male-female reproductive interactions. After describing common themes of salamander pheromonal communication, we describe what is known about the rich diversity of pheromonal communication in each salamander family. Several pheromones have been described, ranging from simple, invariant molecules to complex, variable blends of pheromones. While some pheromones elicit overt behavioral responses, others have more nuanced effects. Pheromonal signals have diversified within salamander lineages and have experienced rapid evolution. Once receptors have been matched to pheromonal ligands, rapid advance can be made to better understand the olfactory detection and processing of salamander pheromones. In particular, a large number of salamander species deliver pheromones across the skin of females, perhaps reflecting a novel mode of pheromonal communication. At the end of our review, we list some of the many intriguing unanswered questions. We hope that this review will inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue work in this rewarding field.
信息素通讯是有尾两栖类动物古老而普遍的感觉模态。一类蝾螈信息素（前速蛋白因子（SPF）家族）起源于 3 亿年前，在两栖动物起源之时。尽管与哺乳动物相比，蝾螈通常被认为是相对简单的动物，但它们的信息素系统具有多样性和复杂性，对行为有细微的影响。在这里，我们回顾了涉及雌雄生殖相互作用的信息素信号的功能和进化。在描述了蝾螈信息素通讯的常见主题之后，我们描述了每个蝾螈家族中丰富多样的信息素通讯。已经描述了几种信息素，从简单、不变的分子到复杂、可变的信息素混合物。虽然有些信息素会引起明显的行为反应，但其他信息素则具有更细微的影响。信息素信号在蝾螈谱系中多样化，并经历了快速进化。一旦受体与信息素配体匹配，就可以快速前进，以更好地理解蝾螈信息素的嗅觉检测和处理。特别是，许多蝾螈物种通过雌性的皮肤传递信息素，这也许反映了一种新的信息素通讯模式。在我们的综述结束时，我们列出了一些许多有趣的未解决的问题。我们希望这篇综述将激发新一代科学家在这个富有成效的领域开展工作。
