Exocrine secretions, mammalian

Burger, B.V., Tien, F.-C., LeRoux, M. and Mo, W.-P. (1996) Mammalian exocrine secretions X. Constituents of preorbital secretion of grysbok, Raphicerus melanotis. J.Chem.Ecol. 22, 739-764. 

Keywords Mammalian semiochemicals Mammalian pheromones Mammalian exocrine secretions Chemical communication Territorial marking... 

Only a few compounds or mixtures of compounds have been shown beyond doubt to be mammalian pheromones. This is the main reason why the subject matter of this chapter is not restricted to pheromones and why exocrine secretions and other mammalian excretions in general will be discussed as possible sources of pheromones, even though their role in the chemical communication of the species under discussion has not yet been established. Feeding deterrents are not discussed. In general defensive secretions are also not discussed, but the anal sac secretions of the mustelids are included, because it is possible that these secretions could also fulfill a semiochemical role, in addition to being used for defense. 

The human body contains lactoperoxidase, a product of exocrine secretion into milk, saliva, tears, etc., and peroxidases with specialized functions in saliva, the thyroid, eosinophils,219 and neutrophils.220 The functions are largely protective but the enzymes also participate in biosynthesis. Mammalian peroxidases have heme covalently linked to the proteins, as indicated in Fig. 16-12 220 222a... 

Beaudoin, A. R. Mercier, M. (1982). Exocytosis in mammalian cells. VI. Temperature dependence of pancreatic exocrine secretion. Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 58, 1509-1512. 

Abstract Progress that has been made in research on the chemical aspects of mammalian semiochemistry over the past decade is discussed on the basis of examples from the most topical problem areas. The chemical characterization of the volatile organic constituents of the urine, anal gland secretions and exocrine gland secretions of rodents, carnivores, proboscids, artiodactyls and primates, and their possible role in the semiochemical communication of these mammals are discussed, with particular emphasis on the advances made in the elaboration of the function of proteins as controlled release carrier materials for the semiochemicals of some of these animals. 

Three mammalian PLC subtypes O four isoforms, -y two isoforms, 8 four isoforms) have been isolated, but only the PLC-P family appears to be regulated directly by G-proteins. IP3 binds to endoplasmic membrane receptors and liberates the calcium from the sequestered stores (endoplasmic reticulum) inducing an increase of cytoplasmic calcium. An elevation of free calcium in the cell can induce, for example, a smooth muscle contraction, secretion from exocrine glands and transmitter release. 

Although it is possible to list all of the mammalian secretory cells and to note in some detail the biochemical nature of both precursor material and final secretory product, as well as to describe the intracellular pathway of secretory product formation, this would defeat the purpose of the current discourse. Rather, it will be more instructive to examine one secretory cell in detail and to compare it to several other representative cell types. From this analysis, one may derive an overview of the general mechanisms of secretion. For this purpose, I have chosen as a starting point the pancreatic exocrine cell because this cell has been one of the most thoroughly investigated, and its secretory pattern provides an ideal model on which to build broad concepts. 

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