Title: Effect of moderate and severe heat stress on avian embryonic Hsp70 gene expression

Author(s):  Gabriel JE, da Mota AF, Boleli IC, Macari M, Coutinho LL

Source:  GROWTH DEVELOPMENT AND AGING 66 (1): 27-33 SUM 2002

Document Type:  Article

Language:  English

Abstract:  Stress response is a universal mechanism developed by all organisms to deal with adverse changes in the environment, which lead to the synthesis of heat shock proteins (Hsps). In this study, the effect of moderate (41degreesC) and severe (44degreesC) heat stress on Hsp70 transcript expression pattern was investigated during chicken embryogenesis. Acute exposure to severe heat stress for one hour resulted in a fifteen-fold increase in Hsp70 mRNA levels. The return of stressed embryos to normal incubation temperature resulted in Hsp70 mRNA levels five-fold higher than control after three hours and normal levels after six hours. Moderate heat stress did not induce enhancements on Hsp70 mRNA levels. The spatial expression of Hsp70 transcripts was detected in embryos under normal incubation conditions. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis showed that Hsp70 transcripts were constitutively present in somite and in distinct encephalic domains (predominantly in prosencephalon and mesencephalon areas) of the chicken embryo. These results showed that Hsp70 induction is dependent on incubation temperature conditions, suggesting that early chicken embryos may induce a quick emergence response to cope with severe heat stress by increasing Hsp70 mRNA levels.

Author Keywords:  chicken; embryogenesis; Hsp70 transcript; in situ detection; heat stress

KeyWords Plus:  SHOCK-PROTEIN; MOLECULAR CHAPERONES; THERMOTOLERANCE; DROSOPHILA; FIBROBLASTS; PHYSIOLOGY; EVOLUTION; ZEBRAFISH; HSC70; CELL

Addresses:  Coutinho LL (reprint author), USP, ESALQ, Dept Anim Prod, Piracicaba, BR-13418900 Brazil
USP, ESALQ, Dept Anim Prod, Piracicaba, BR-13418900 Brazil
EMBRAPA, Brazilian Org Agr Res, Dairy Cattle Res Ctr, Juiz De Fora, BR-36038330 Brazil
UNESP, FCAV, Dept Anim Morphol & Physiol, Jaboticabal, BR-14780000 Brazil Publisher:  GROWTH PUBLISHING CO INC, PO BOX 205, HULLS COVE, ME 04609-0205 USA

Subject Category:  DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY; GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

IDS Number:  585BV

ISSN:  1041-1232