Journal of Lipid Research, Vol 18, 474-479, Copyright © 1977 by Lipid Research, Inc.
Lipids of the anal sac secretions of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes and of the lion, Panthera leo
ES Albone and TO Gronnerberg
Lion anal sac secretion were found to be richer in lipids and to contain
more complex less uniform mixtures of lower moleculas weight lipids then
the anal sac of the red fox. In the lion, homologous series of
1-alkylglycerols and 2-hydroxy-fatty acids were identified. Phenylacetic,
3-phenylpropionic, and related hydroxylated acids were also observed.
Gas-liquid chromatography profiles of fox anal sac secretion lower
molecular weight lipids were found to be less variable in their major
constituents and to be dominated by relatively few large peaks, mainly
(derivatized) fatty acids. Indole was also identified. Free cholesterol,
and occasionally, stanols were observed in fox and lion secretions. In the
red fox, total cholesterol levels averaged 0.93 mg/g (% free, 56.4), n = 5.
Findings are discussed in relation to histological and anatomical
similarities and differences between the anal sacs of the lion and the fox
and in the context of the role of these secretions in chemical
communication.
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