Variation in the expression of Hsp27, Hsp70, Hsp90 and their corresponding mRNA transcripts in the hearts of pigs during different transportation durations

The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of changes in the expression of Hsp27, Hsp70, and Hsp90, along with the transcription of their corresponding mRNAs, in the hearts of transported pigs. The transported pigs were divided into three groups, with each group transported for 1, 2 or 4 h. Creatine kinase concentrations clearly increased during 1 h and 2 h of transportation, indicating that cardiac muscle cells were severely damaged at the beginning of transportation. The pattern of changes in Hsp27, Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression in the hearts of the transported pigs demonstrated that expression patterns vary for different Hsps, with a significant induction of Hsp27 expression after 2 h of transportation, no obvious changes in Hsp70 expression, and a significant reduction in Hsp90 expression after 1 h, 2 h and 4 h of transportation. The results also demonstrated that the expression patterns of Hsp27 and Hsp90 were almost coincident with their corresponding mRNA transcription levels, suggesting that different Hsps may differ in their abilities to protect heart tissue in pigs responding to transportation stress. CK and ELISA results showed that in the initial transportation stage the increased Hsp27 and Hsp70 protected cardiac muscle cells from transport stress, although cardiac muscle cells were severely damaged at the beginning of transportation. Hsp90 synthesis may be disturbed by the damaged cardiac muscle cells and cause persistently decreased Hsp90 levels.