In addition to steroid-type pheromones, there are certain scents that are unique to a person that can be used to identify a person. These scents are based on a part of a person’s immune system called the Major Histocompatibility Complex or MHC. Women tend to prefer men with slightly different MHCs when they are not pregnant or on birth control (which hormonally simulates pregnancy.) They prefer men with similar MHCs when they are pregnant or on birth control.
So some women may not be attracted to certain men because their MHCs are too similar. And altering that MHC signature might help if a man was interested in a very particular woman (but wasn’t planning to settle down with her.)
There are different theories on how the MHC affects scent, especially since the MHC itself is too big to fly (too heavy to evaporate and act as a scent.) One popular theory is that the MHC attaches to particular chemicals in the bloodstream, and those chemicals (often carboxylic acids) are released through sweat, urine, etc.
Has anyone tried adding such compounds to their skin to see how previously uninterested girls reacted?
MHC related volatiles create a unique scent. Pheromones are like fingers. Everyone has them to some extent. MHC related volatiles are more like fingerprints, from what I can tell.
One theory I’ve heard is that the MHC binds to certain volatiles in the blood which are released in the axillary glands and into the urine. This is how the MHC, which is too heavy to fly, would produce unique scents.
The volatiles are typically carboxylic acids, from what I’ve read.
But from what I’ve read, people tend to prefer scents which accentuate their MHC rather than transform it.
I haven’t develed into the subject much so I don’t know a whole lot about it but from what I understand the MHC is called human leukocyte antigen. These are proteins encoded by our genes (DNA) to produce antigens.
There are something like 6 major antigen-presenting proteins but there are hundreds of minor genes that make each persons totally unique. They have supplements of course that can strength the immune system but for the proteins to bind to form antigens wouldnt they have to be exposed to the disease or something foreign to the body ? For instance if you got a transplant they try to match your HLA as close as possible so your body doesnt produce antegins.
I dont think they sell something you could use with pheromones to produce this kind of effect. Its such a complex system.
On top of that you have the research on birth control that changes the female preferance. While mones can work better during certain times of the cycle they still work all through the cycle. How are you going to know whose MHC is similar to yours and whose isnt. Like I said its wa beyond complex to try to control or influence in my opinion.
In a way though as Steve mentioned pheromones are playing there part in influencing scent. I dont think they effect the HLA at all.
It is an interesting thought though and something to explore. There is just so much more to explore with pheromones still I dont think they have explored much in that area.
, thanks.