HSP70 is involved in the radioadaptive response: results from mouse splenocytes

In continuation of our earlier study on the involvement of heat shock protein (HSP) 25 and HSP70 in the induction of adaptive response, we have now examined the involvement of these proteins in the induction of the adaptive response, using an animal model system. C57BL6 mice were irradiated with 5 cGy of gamma radiation 3 times for a week (total of 15cGy) and a high challenge dose (6Gy) was given on the day following the last low dose irradiation. Survival rate of the low dose pre-irradiated mice was increased to 30%. Moreover, high dose-mediated induction of apoptosis was also reduced by low dose pre-irradiation. To elucidate any link existing between HSP and induction of the adaptive response, reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed using splenocytes. High dose radiation up-regulated the expression of HSP25 and especially HSP70; while expression of other HSPs such as HSC70, HSP90, and a-crystalline did not change. When splenocytes from HSP70 transgenic mice were pre-irradiated with a low dose of radiation, a reduction in cell death by high dose radiation was observed. These results, suggest that HSP70 is a key molecule in the induction of adaptive response