Reproduction: A New Venue for Studying Function of Adult Neurogenesis? pp. 21-35(15) Cell Transplantation, Volume 20, Number 1 Authors: Lau, Benson Wui-Man; Yau, Suk-Yu; So, Kwok-Fai

Abstract: Adult neurogenesis has been a focus within the past few years because it is a newly recognized form of neuroplasticity that may play significant roles in behaviors and recovery process after disease. Mammalian adult neurogenesis could be found in two brain regions: hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ). While it is well established that hippocampal neurogenesis participates in memory formation and anxiety, the physiological function of SVZ neurogenesis is still under intense investigation. Recent studies disclose that SVZ neurogenesis is under regulation of reproductive cues like pheromones. Reciprocally, the newborn neurons may exert their effect on reproductive and maternal behaviors. This review discusses recent understanding of the interrelationship between neurogenesis and reproduction. The studies highlighted in this review illustrate the potential importance of neurogenesis in reproductive function and will provide new insights for the significance of adult neurogenesis.

From the conclusion: Experiment from different species demonstrated the regulatory effects of pheromones and sexual interaction on brain neurogenesis; however, the functional significance of new neurons in reproduction needs to be further clarified.

James V. Kohl
http://www.pheromones.com

From the article:
"...it was confirmed that the hippocampal neurogenesis is due to the increase of the luteinizing hormone..." p.29

Androstenol, found in men's axiallary secretions alters luteinizing hormone (LH) and mood in women. It is one of the active ingredients in my Scent of Eros products.This article offers neuroscientific support for the mechanisms that help to ensure the affects of Scent of Eros on behavior in women. My first presentation to a scientific forum was LH: The link between sex and the sense of smell? (the question mark indicated speculation, which has now been established as biological fact).

James V. Kohl
ScentofEros.com

(03-11-2011 9:43 PM)jvkohl Wrote:  Reproduction: A New Venue for Studying Function of Adult Neurogenesis? pp. 21-35(15) Cell Transplantation, Volume 20, Number 1 Authors: Lau, Benson Wui-Man; Yau, Suk-Yu; So, Kwok-Fai

Abstract: Adult neurogenesis has been a focus within the past few years because it is a newly recognized form of neuroplasticity that may play significant roles in behaviors and recovery process after disease. Mammalian adult neurogenesis could be found in two brain regions: hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ). While it is well established that hippocampal neurogenesis participates in memory formation and anxiety, the physiological function of SVZ neurogenesis is still under intense investigation. Recent studies disclose that SVZ neurogenesis is under regulation of reproductive cues like pheromones. Reciprocally, the newborn neurons may exert their effect on reproductive and maternal behaviors. This review discusses recent understanding of the interrelationship between neurogenesis and reproduction. The studies highlighted in this review illustrate the potential importance of neurogenesis in reproductive function and will provide new insights for the significance of adult neurogenesis.

From the conclusion: Experiment from different species demonstrated the regulatory effects of pheromones and sexual interaction on brain neurogenesis; however, the functional significance of new neurons in reproduction needs to be further clarified.

James V. Kohl
http://www.pheromones.com

It has been shown that the odor (of Androstenone) can be detected by people down to levels of 0.2 parts per billion to 0.2 parts in 100 million. Several groups report, however, that some individuals who initially cannot smell androstenone can learn to smell it by repeated exposures to it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androstenone#Properties

Do you think that repeated or prolonged exposure of 'Non-Androstenone sentive' (or non-pheromone sensitive) subjects to Androstenone may trigger SVZ neurogenesis, therefore stimulating it's reproductive behaviors?

If so, is the new sub-ventricular neurogenesis permanent or it lasts as long as there is a regular exposure to reproductive cues?

Further, if SVZ neurogenesis is regulated by the presence of reproductive cues, i assume they could be other than olfactory (pheromones), like visual and tactile. If I am right in saying that, do you think the test subject should be prolongedly exposed to these non-olfactory clues for SVZ neurogenesis to take place, like should happen with Androstenone exposure?

I mean, can SVZ neurogenesis be instantly triggered by the seeing of a naked body?

Further yet, assuming I'm right so far, do you think the stimulae should always come from the same source (always from Androstenone or always the same naked body) or can it come from different sources (Androstenone today, AndrosteRone tomorrow OR Katie naked today/Natalie naked tomorrow)? Does it influence the neurogenesis process?

Sorry to be so extensive!

The only somewhat clear link to neurogenesis that I have seen, is the effect on LH in women of androstenol. Effects of other chemicals or mixes on neurogenesis seem likely, but for now I think androstenone is not on the list for experimentation, because androstenol may not have yet occurred to the researchers doing the work on neurogenesis.

I do think that the novelty factor (Katie today; Natalie tommorrow; or was that Karen, yesterday?) makes a difference, since the effect of sensory input on hormones is known to desensitize the molecular mechanisms involved in the acute, versus conditioned response. It is the conditioned response to olfactory/pheromonal input that is manifest in SVZ neurogenesis associated with visual input, because there is no direct route from visual input to the hormonal changes.

That's why I think this work is interesting. It indicates that the addition of pheromones could have therapeutic anti-aging medicine type effects on neurogenesis and thereby on behavior. Visual stimulation is less likely to do so. This fact partially explains why Alzheimer's patients seem to do better when their room is scented (it lets them know they are home in a more powerful way than what they see can do).

James V. Kohl
http://www.pheromones.com

(03-30-2011 11:08 AM)Fly So Hi Wrote:  It has been shown that the odor (of Androstenone) can be detected by people down to levels of 0.2 parts per billion to 0.2 parts in 100 million. Several groups report, however, that some individuals who initially cannot smell androstenone can learn to smell it by repeated exposures to it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androstenone#Properties

Do you think that repeated or prolonged exposure of 'Non-Androstenone sentive' (or non-pheromone sensitive) subjects to Androstenone may trigger SVZ neurogenesis, therefore stimulating it's reproductive behaviors?

If so, is the new sub-ventricular neurogenesis permanent or it lasts as long as there is a regular exposure to reproductive cues?

Further, if SVZ neurogenesis is regulated by the presence of reproductive cues, i assume they could be other than olfactory (pheromones), like visual and tactile. If I am right in saying that, do you think the test subject should be prolongedly exposed to these non-olfactory clues for SVZ neurogenesis to take place, like should happen with Androstenone exposure?

I mean, can SVZ neurogenesis be instantly triggered by the seeing of a naked body?

Further yet, assuming I'm right so far, do you think the stimulae should always come from the same source (always from Androstenone or always the same naked body) or can it come from different sources (Androstenone today, AndrosteRone tomorrow OR Katie naked today/Natalie naked tomorrow)? Does it influence the neurogenesis process?

Sorry to be so extensive!

That's so interesting!

So you're saying that the olfactory stimulae play a stronger sensorial part than visual ones, or just that the visual stimulae are less likely to affect people? The article says that "reproductive cues regulate SVZ neurogenesis", so how the neurology of an Alzheimer's patients could benefit from a scent that remembers them of home (not sexual)?

I only asked about the subject looking at a naked body because i think it triggers mating reactions i.e., sexual cue.
Wouldn't the same happen with tactile stimulations? Cause the subject to feel aroused, i.e. sexual cue?

Quote:I do think that the novelty factor (Katie today; Natalie tommorrow; or was that Karen, yesterday?) makes a difference, since the effect of sensory input on hormones is known to desensitize the molecular mechanisms involved in the acute, versus conditioned response. It is the conditioned response to olfactory/pheromonal input that is manifest in SVZ neurogenesis associated with visual input, because there is no direct route from visual input to the hormonal changes.

I think I get your point: Repeated acute (sexual) stimulae desensitize the brain’s ability to respond properly to the stimulae?

Let’s say you have Katie and other girl. The male subject will receive stimulae from Katie from Monday to Saturday, and from different girls every Sunday.

In this case, the conditioned response to Katie would be more effective to neurogenesis than the sundays with different girls. All the same, the acute (sexual) response of the subject would still be strong. But if he had a different woman every night, then his acute response would be less and less stronger over time, therefore demanding some stabilization time?

Could this explain why some bachelors, after a period of diverse sexual experimentation, feel the need find a long-term partner?

Have I got it right?

I will add from my current writings to show the similarity in our perspectives, which you are probably making clearer to others. I'd like to find a good journalist who could help in this regard. I'm a technicrat!

Lau et al specifically states that hippocampal neurogenesis is due to the increase of the LH, although they do not say this is unequivocally effected by exposure to mammalian pheromones. It is!

Three things are required to directly register information about others in the brain of the same species and to link that information to mammalian behavior. The three things are electrophysiological activity, gene expression, and the initiation of a neuroendocrine (i.e., a hormone-mediated) response.
1. Mammalian pheromones act on olfactory receptors to elicit electrical activity in nerve cells.
2. The electrophysiological transduction of mammalian pheromones from chemical signals to electrical signals, allows them to effect gene expression
3. Mammalian pheromones effect gene expression in nerve cells of the brain that initiates the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). The change in GnRH secretion is a hormone response that occurs in neurons of the mammalian brain.
Concisely put, mammalian pheromones cause a hormone response in neurons of the brain. This neuroendocrine response is required to directly link information about other mammals to genetically programmed brain-directed behavior. Mammalian pheromones elicit this hormone response and, like food odors, pheromones affect behavior from the moment of birth.

There is no way to directly link visual input any pathway linking sensory input directly to behavior. So, olfactory cues (odors) share equal significance to Alzheimer's patients compared to the significance of pheromones and food odors at younger ages (sans neurodegenerative diseases). Tactile and taste stimulation = conditioned response to olfactory/pheromonal input (as it never occurs socially without the presence of olfactory/pheromonal cues from a conspecific or food source).

I think you have it right. The variety of women I had from age 30-40 while single and moving up to living in a lake-front townhouse in Las Vegas (and driving a Mercedes coupe), left me willing to marry for the third time. The profile picture of me in the lab was taken when I was 57 years old. The variety and the stability (despite the third divorce) both had effects on my projected longevity, and I presented on this in 1995/6 at Anti-Aging Medicine conferences. Lau et al greatly advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are involved.

James V. Kohl
http://www.pheromones.com

It’s great to talk to you, Mr. Kohl! You have both knowledge and patience to explain things to us!

I think during my postages I forgot the literal meaning of Pheromone:

"A pheromone (from Greek φέρω (p h e r o) "to bear" + hormone from Greek ὁρμή - "impetus") is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species.
…
There are alarm pheromones, food trail pheromones, sex pheromones, and many others that affect behavior or physiology."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheromone



So actually, any smell that affect behavior or physiology can be considered a pheromone! Am I right? Now I understand your perspective on Alzheimer’s patients.

So, since you said that SVZ neurogenesis is based on conditioned response, the use of a single molecule (Androstenol, for example) might be the better option in the long term.

Maybe that comes against the mislead belief some users have that you have to change your pheromone signature once in a while because people will get used to it. I think if you use the phero, but you have no congruence with it (you don't approach and escalate the next level of interaction, like physical contact [that is, if using a sex pheromone, for example]) their brains register the information that you won't approach, therefore linking it to a mammalian behavior that goes against the effect you wanted to cause with the pheromone in the first place, so they ignore you. This shows the importance of congruence.

Of course, that seems not to be the case with Scent Of Eros, since it's a friendly pheromone blend. With Scent of Eros you should just act friendly, what for a Beta-Male is way easier, socially, than being dominant and sexual.

Mr. Kohl, am I tripping around here? Or there's some logic in what I've said? :laugh4:

Thanks again, you're so kind and patient!

Your logic is good, however, pheromones as originally defined occur in mixtures. Note the plural: ”Pheromones are defined as substances which are secreted to the outside by an individual and received by a second individual of the same species, in which they release a specific reaction, for example, a definite behavior, or a developmental process.” Their power lies in the changes in the mixtures that can convey different messages, those that are considered when people further define alarm pheromones, food trail pheromones, sex pheromones, and many others that affect behavior or physiology. They all affect behavior by via their effect on physiology (i.e., hormones), which is how the development of behavior is affects (i.e., by hormones).

But not all smells that affect behaivor or physiology are considered pheromones. You know this! Food smells/odors effect physiology and behavior associated with food choice and the development of food preferences. Appetite fades with age because of loss of olfactory acuity and specificity for food odors, and sexual desire fades with loss of olfactory acuity and specificity for pheromones (except when the sexual response cycle has been well enforced throughout a lifetime of experience). If it's always good, there's no such thing as use it or lose it because you'll always use it.

The mixture of pheromones that's assoicated with the effect on LH of androstenol is assoicated wit the conditioned SVZ neurogenesis, in theory. So androstenol and its effect on the hormone LH can bring in a lot of other information from the social environment that's connected to the neurogenesis. Hippocampal memory can then include aspects of all other sensory input that was present at the time of pheromonal conditioning.

There may be no reason to change your scent signature if you incorporate variety as the spice of life into your relationships. But if you tend to be as boring as most folks are, pheromones can elicit a little more interest, whether or not escalation occurs. Go ahead, impress someone --even if you don't want to end up in bed with them.

That's what most people see happen with use of the Scent of Eros products, so they can either take it further, or leave a nice casual impression dependent on the context and what both parties want. If a fragrance product pushes someone over the edge of what they would normally consider appropriate behavior, they might not appreciate seeing you again, especially if they realize they responded more like an animal than what they considered possible. Obviously, that's why Scent of Eros is a safe bet--although its been a great motivator for some of the women who were perhaps initally less interested in me than I was in them.

James V. Kohl
scentoferos.com