Blood Typing of Asiatic Black Bear (Ursusthibetanus)

In this study,we aimed to determine whether bear had different blood group systems.Whole blood samples were collected from 40 Asiatic Black bears in Fujian province,China.Tube method was used to detect antibodies in plasma,and antibody isotype was determined with 2-mercaptoethanol.Plasma was further analyzed by mass spectrometry.The plasma from four bears had antibodies,possibly IgM isoform,which could agglutinate RBCs from 30 bears.Blood samples from 10 bears were tested by human blood typing reagents.The results showed that 4 bears had blood type like human type O,while 6 bears had like human type B.Plasma protein had extensive homology to serum albumin-like isoform 1 found in giant panda (Ailuropodamelanoleuca).We suggested that Asiatic Black bear might have at least one blood group system with two blood types.If the sick bear needs blood transfusion,a cross-matching test was necessary.Moreover,giant panda might receive blood from Asiatic Black bear in case of emergency.