PREDATOR CHEMICAL SIGNALS INDUCES CHRONIC EMOTIONAL STRESS IN HOUSE MOUSE
The influence of predator chemical cues Felis catus on plasma corticosterone of house mouse as well as on fecal corticosterone metabolites in comparison with other stressful agents have been studied. Short term exposure of predator chemical signals caused a significant (p<0.001) elevation of plasma corticosterone in mice. Long term exposure of Felidae family pheromone L-Felinine caused a significant (p<0.001) elevation of specific corticosterone fecal metabolites in House Mouse. The response of laboratory naive animals to predator cues and lack of habituation indicates the innate nature of the response. The effects of L-Felinine are quite similar to the effects of intact feline urine. We consider L-Felinine as potential kairomone for the mice.