Meeting Abstract

P1.37  Tuesday, Jan. 4  Production of Tannin Binding Proteins in Prairie Voles (Microtus orchrogaster) COOMBS, J.M.*; SKOPEC, M.M.; Weber State University; Weber State University mcoombser@gmail.com

Tannins are polyphenolic compounds produced by plants that readily bind protein. Binding of protein in the saliva decreases the amount of lubrication in the mouth and leads to an astringent sensation, which is thought to deter herbivores. Prairie voles (Microtus orchrogaster) are small herbivorous rodents that have variable responses to tannins. Prarie voles readily consume diets with tannic acid (TA), a hydrolysable tannin, but will refuse to consume diets containing quebracho, a condensed tannin. We hypothesized that prairie voles lack tannin binding proteins (TBPs) in their saliva capable of binding to condensed tannins like quebracho and decreasing the astringency. We therefore surveyed voles for the presence of TBPs and the ability of their TBPs to bind to either TA or quebracho. Voles were either given a tannin free control diet, a control diet and isoprotrenol injections to stimulate TBP production, or a 4% TA diet. Saliva and salivary glands were collected and the gel shift assay using native gel electrophoresis and silver staining was used for TBP detection. There were no treatment differences in the salivary gland weights of the voles but there were treatment differences in TBP production. Voles fed the control diet did not produce any TBPs, while voles given isoproternol injections or 4% TA produced TBPs that bound to both TA and quebracho. We conclude that prairie voles are able to produce TBPs that bind to quebracho but hypothesize that TBP production is not stimulated by consumption of quebracho.