摘要
Examples of photoluminescence(PL)are being reported with increasing frequency in a wide range of organisms from diverse ecosystems.However,the chemical basis of this PL remains poorly defined,and our understanding of its potential ecological function is still superficial.Among mammals,recent analyses have identified free-base por-phyrins as the compounds responsible for the reddish ultraviolet-induced photoluminescence(UV-PL)observed in the pelage of springhares and hedgehogs.However,the localization of the pigments within the hair largely remains to be determined.Here,we use photoluminescence multispectral imaging emission and excitation spec-troscopy to detect,map,and characterize porphyrinic compounds in skin appendages in situ.We also document new cases of mammalian UV-PL caused by free-base porphyrins in distantly related species.Spatial distribution of the UV-PL is strongly suggestive of an endogenous origin of the porphyrinic compounds.We argue that reddish UV-PL is predominantly observed in crepuscular and nocturnal mammals because porphyrins are photodegradable.Con-sequently,this phenomenon may not have a specific function in intra-or interspecific communication but rather represents a byproduct of potentially widespread physiological processes.
基金
supported by the Elsa-Neumann-Stipendium(Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
supported by the Fyssen Foundation and the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation.
