Physiology and Reproduction

Reproductive Behavior. There are a couple of things I found interesting about reproductive behavior and it’s physiology. One of them is the effects of pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals released by one animal that affects another. Four occurrences observed in mice are associated with the release of certain pheromones. They are: (a.) the Lee-Boot effect, (b.) the Whitten effect, (c.)Vandenberg effect, and (d.) the Bruce effect. The Lee-Boot effect occurs when estrous cycles of a group of females ceases in the absence of a male. Yet, estrous cycles reappear when exposed to male urine with the cycles being synchronized (the Whitten effect). The Vandenberg effect refers to the early onset of puberty of a female caused by the odor of a male. Lastly, the Bruce effect happens when a pregnant female aborts--triggered by the odor of urine from another (assumingly with better genetic make up) male.
What makes pheromones very interesting is how it seems to promote the survival of the species. The Bruce effect in particular reiterates the survival of the fittest. Interestingly as well is the fact that female humans also experiences occurrences similar to the Whitten effect and the Lee-Boot effect. It would explain how women who have very close relationships seem to get pregnant at the same time. Probably this is because they ovulate at the same time as well.
Studies on pheromones usually involve animal research. The influence of pheromones is observed in species such as mice, bees, and beetles. This knowledge can be used to the benefit of insect and pests control and even elimination. When I grew up in the Philippines, insecticides were used to protect the crops. If someone could come up with a way to use this knowledge, this could be a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to harmful chemicals and insecticides. Also in the Philippines there is a certain “black magic” that we call “gayuma”. Funny thing is, there might be “magic” in it after all. Gayuma, from what I recall is a love potion made from a person’s sweat. The person who is trying to attract the attentions of a particular person (romantically) is to exercise intensively, collect his/her sweat, and mix it in a strong drink (such as the local alcohol) and give it to the person they are trying to attract. (This is done over a period of a few weeks.) I used to disregard this as superstition but upon learning about pheromones, I have to say there might be something to it. I am surprised that perfume manufacturers haven’t thought about putting urine, sweat, and other body by products into their merchandise (Or have they? Good thing I am not particularly fond of perfumes). Well, at the very least, this explains why wives like to smell their husband’s armpits. Wouldn’t it be funny if therapists start recommending couples to smell each other’s armpits twice a day? You never know, it might actually work. If nothing else, there’d be a lot of laughing involved :)
I think that the so called superstitions, myths, and etc. needs to be looked into more closely and tested scientifically. There are so many things that may open our eyes and may give us solutions to issues we have today.

Reference

Carlson, N. R. (2008). Foundations of Physiological Psychology (7th Ed.) Boston:
Pearson Allyn-Bacon