Experiment 1 clearly shows the effect of androsterone on the perception of men. The men received more positive ratings on a variety of scales. These significant effects are related to the erotic-sexual sphere but notably the men were gauged as less sexy and there was a tendency to find them less erotic. Given these test results, it appears to be problematic to use androsterone as a test control substance in conjunction with androstenol, as described in the experiments of Gustavson et al. The effect of odoriferous secretions of human underarms appears to be influenced by various factors. Analogous to the model used for animals, the effect of chemical signals, especially pheromones, is usually influenced by the reproductive status of the signal recipient as well as that of the sender.
In experiment 1, it may be seen that at different periods in the menstrual cycle androsterone and androstenol had different effects. Contrary to expectations, these substances showed no effect during the middle period of the menstrual cycle, in which ovulation is possible. Rather, these effects are greatest during the first period of the menstrual cycle. At the same time, both pleasant and less pleasant effects may be observed in the final period of the cycle. The unpleasant effects are related to the ero-sexual sphere. In respect to other Attributes, such as friendliness, emotionality, and sensitivity, more pronounced responses may be noted.
In all studies concerned with the effects of androstenone, ethanol was used as the solvent. In experiment 2 it may be clearly seen that men are more harshly perceived when androstenone is used in conjunction with ethanol. This negative response to androstenone may result from the type of solution chosen. Odours in combination with one another smell very different than when experienced alone (Laing 1991). The unique smell of ethanol immediately after application could be responsible for the negative values found in conjunction with androstenone. These results call into question the use of ethanol as a solvent and probably the use of other odours as well in these sorts of tests.
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