Variation in the expression of Hsp27, αB-crystallin mRNA and protein in heart and liver of pigs exposed to different transport times

Twenty pigs were randomly divided into four groups of five pigs each (not transported – control, 1, 2 and 4 h of transportation). A significant increase of ALT, AST and CK in the blood serum and acute parenchyma cell lesions were observed and those were characterized by acute degenerations in the heart and liver. Hsp27 expression levels increased significantly in the heart after 2 h and in the liver after 4 h of transportation, accompanying with the hsp27 mRNA increasing significantly in the heart and liver after 1 h of transportation. αB-crystallin expression levels were fluctuant (not significantly) in the heart and liver during transporting, however, αB-crystallin mRNA increase notably in the heart after 1 h and decrease significantly in the liver at 1 and 2 h of transportation, respectively. In conclusion, the cellular damage to the heart and liver is highest after 1 h of transportation, Hsp27 and αB-crystallin play dissimilar roles and show tissue-specific response in different tissues during transportation.