A synthesized pheromone induces upstream movement in female sea lamprey and summons them into traps

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0808530106
• Publication Date: 2009-01-22T02:40:22Z
• Authors: Nicholas S. Johnson; Sang-Seon Yun; Henry T. Thompson; Cory O. Brant; Weiming Li
• Keywords: Petromyzon

Female insect pheromone blends induce robust tracking responses in males and direct them into traps. In vertebrates, pheromones that strong precise natural habitats have rarely been described. Here, we show the sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ), a vertebrate invader of Laurential Great Lakes, synthesized component male mating pheromone, 7α, 12α, 24-trihydroxy-5α-cholan-3-one 24-sulfate (3kPZS), when released stream to reach concentrations 10 −14 , −13 −12 −11 or −10 M, triggers upstream movement ovulated females drawing ≈50% baited Experiments conducted diverse segments demonstrate level behavioral response was not affected by habitat conditions is effective over hundreds meters. 3kPZS equally at luring as whole blend between M. diverts away from disrupts orientation washings applied higher than washings. Indeed, single compound able redirect female lampreys source lure traps, which should be more targeting population control. Our findings may spur discovery other potent environmentally benign agents combat biological invasion, process accelerated globalization, exacerbated climate change, costing global economy US$ 1.4 trillion damage annually.