Androstenol – a Steroid Derived Odor Activates the Hypothalamus in Women

Background: Whether pheromone signaling exists in humans is still a matter of intense discussion. In the present study we
tested if smelling of Androstenol, a steroid produced by the human body and reported to affect human behavior, may elicit
cerebral activation. A further issue was to evaluate whether the pattern of activation resembles the pattern of common
odors.

Methodology: PET measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were conducted in 16 healthy heterosexual women
during passive smelling of Androstenol, four ordinary odors (OO), and odorless air (the base line condition).

Principal findings: Smelling Androstenol caused activation of a portion of the hypothalamus, which according to animal
data mediates the pheromone triggered mating behavior. Smelling of OO, on the other hand, engaged only the classical
olfactory regions (the piriform cortex, lateral amygdala, anterior insular and anterior cingulate cortex).

Conclusions: The observed pattern of activation is very similar to the pattern previously detected with 4,16-androstadien-3-
one in heterosexual females. It suggests that several compounds released by human body may activate cerebral networks
involved in human reproduction.



Citation: Savic I, Berglund H (2010) Androstenol – a Steroid Derived Odor Activates the Hypothalamus in Women. PLoS ONE 5(2): e8651. doi:10.1371/
journal.pone.0008651