Human Pheremone Receptor Activated with Delicate Magnolia Scent

Can humans communicate with pheromones in the same way that animals can? Scientists have long wondered whether or not this is the case. Now, researchers have demonstrated that the substance, Hedione, activates the putative pheromone receptor VN1R1 in humans.

The researchers used genetic-analysis approaches in order to confirm the pheromone receptor's existence in human olfactory mucosa. Then, the scientists transferred the genetic code for the receptor into cell cultures and, using these cells, demonstrated that Hedione activates the receptor.

Together, the researchers showed that the scent of Hedione generates sex-specific activation patterns in the brain, which do not occur with traditional fragrances.  In fact, the researchers found that Hedione activated brain areas in the limbic system significantly more strongly that phenylethyl alcohol, a more traditional fragrance.

The limbic system is associated with emotions, memory and motivation. In addition, Hedione activated a specific hypothalamic region in women more strongly than in men. This activation pattern is typical for controlling sexual behavior via the endocrine system.

"In the next stage, we want to find out what physiological and psychological parameters are affected when Hedione activates the pheromone receptor," said Hanns Hatt, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We have already launched the relevant studies. But we also have to search for scent molecules in bodily secretions, which resemble Hedione and activate the receptor. With its help, humans could actually communicate with each other."

The findings reveal that humans can sense pheromones and that it may be involved in some level of chemical communication. That said, further studies are needed before researchers can say for certain.

The findings are published in the journal NeuroImage.

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