MATERNAL TRANSFER OF THE 6-MBOA CHEMICAL SIGNAL IN MICROTUS-MONTANUS DURING GESTATION AND LACTATION

A study was undertaken to determine how reproductive information from the plant metabolite 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA) is transferred maternally to offspring in the montane vole. Microtus montanus. Adult female M. montanus were implanted with 10- or 20-mm Silastic capsules containing 6-MBOA (experimental) or empty capsules (control). Females were paired with males and monitored daily for births. On the day of birth, the offspring were either cross-fostered to other mated pairs, or maintained in the natal nest. Six groups were formed based on whether the litter was transferred to a female of the same treatment, to a female of the opposite treatment, or left in the cage of birth until weaning. The offspring were reared in the nest until 18 days and sacrificed 8 days after weaning. Data were collected on weight, total length, paired-testes weight (males), and uterine weight (females). The data indicate that offspring receiving 6-MBOA information demonstrate significantly increased growth and increased gonadal size compared with offspring receiving no 6-MBOA information, and that the 6-MBOA information is transferred maternally during both gestation and lactation.