Effect of ventral gland excision on scent marking in the male Mongolian gerbil.

Abstract

Midventral scent glands of 12 gerbils were excised; nonglandular skin strips of 12 were excised; 12 received midline incisions through their glands but remained intact; and 12 received no operation. Groups did not differ in frequency of marking (rubbing the ventral area on floor pegs) during 5-min tests. In a subsequent study, 14 gland- and skin-excised Ss did not differ in the temporal distribution of marking over 7-min test periods. Prior marking experience did not affect results. Apparently, marking behavior is not regulated by some aspect of the gland. Implications for the nature of the hormonal control of marking are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)