Heat Shock Protein 72 Expression Following Odor Exposure in Olfactory System of Rat

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are group of evolutionary conserved proteins whose synthesis are greatly enhanced in cells following exposure to various stressors and play an important role in cellular protection and survival. The purpose of this study was to determine whether olfactory stimulation induces the synthesis of HSP72 in olfactory system of the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were exposed to odorant stimuli using 2% propionic acid odorant stimuli and expression pattern of HSP72 in the olfactory system were detected by immunohistochemistry using anti-HSP72 antibody according to time course and by Western blotting. RESULTS: HSP72 immunopositive cells were expressed in the olfactory epithelium and in the olfactory bulb neurons and a 72 kD band was detected by Western blotting. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that expression of HSP72 in olfactory system of the rat following exposure to odor may serve as a marker for cellular stress and potential damage and may be involved in cellular protection against injuries.