Temporin

Elephant temporal gland secretion

This article is about elephant temporal gland secretion. For peptides from frogs, see Temporins.

Secretion of temporins visible on an African elephant during musth (2007).

In elephants, temporin is secreted by temporal glands during the period of musth. It contains proteins, lipids (notably cholesterol), phenols, cresols and sesquiterpenes (notably farnesol and its derivatives).[1] This is not related to temporins that are antimicrobial peptides.

In old Sanskrit texts, it is referred to as rut fluid (dāna, or mada) and is considered to be a symbol of potency and vigour.[2]

However, from the point of view of ancient Indian elephant science (gajaśāstra), temporin is not a direct symptom of rut.[3]

## References[edit]

1. ^ Sukumar, R (2003). The living elephants: evolutionary ecology, behavior, and conservation. Oxford University Press. p. 155. ISBN 9780195107784. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
2. ^ Bana, Kadambari. Transl. P. Rajappa, Penguin Books 2010, p. 19
3. ^ Nilakantha; Franklin Edgerton (1931). The Elephant-lore of the Hindus: The Elephant-sport (Matanga-lila) of Nilakantha. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0005-2., pp. 29-38.

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