Does the Asiatic black bear (<i>Ursus thibetanus</i>) have the ability to secrete tannin-binding salivary proteins?

DOI
  • Omori Akitaka
    The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University
  • Abe Natsuki
    Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University
  • Hosoi Eiji
    Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • ツキノワグマ（<i>Ursus thibetanus</i>）はタンニン結合性唾液タンパク質の分泌能を有するか

Abstract

<p>Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) feed on acorns, such as Quercus crispula and Q. serrata, to store fat during autumn. However, tannins, astringent polyphenols, contained in the acorns are known to have negative effects, such as reduction in protein digestibility and gastrointestinal tract failure, on acorn consumers and it is unknown how the bears respond to tannins.</p><p>We analyzed the parotid gland of black bears and found that they were capable of secreting proline-rich proteins (PRPs), which belong to a group of tannin-binding salivary proteins. Black bear PRPs contained 25% proline and their relative affinity to tannins extracted from Q. serrata was thirteen times higher than that of bovine serum albumin. The parotid glands of black bear were hypertrophied in autumn, and the PRPs concentration in the parotid glands increased at the same time.</p>

Journal

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

  • CRID
    1390291115021518976
  • NII Article ID
    130008158652
  • DOI
    10.11238/mammalianscience.62.11
  • ISSN
    1881526X
    0385437X
  • Text Lang
    ja
  • Data Source
    • JaLC
    • CiNii Articles
  • Abstract License Flag
    Disallowed

Report a problem

Back to top