Changes in HSP gene and protein expression in natural scrapie with XXXX .

@entity742 @entity75 @entity1457 @entity1131 @entity73150 @entity5219 @entity1579
@entity1457 proteins (Hsp) perform cytoprotective functions such as apoptosis regulation and inflammatory response control. These proteins can also be secreted to the extracellular medium, acting as inflammatory mediators, and their chaperone activity permits correct folding of proteins and avoids the aggregation of anomalous isoforms. Several studies have proposed the implication of Hsp in @entity1579 . We analysed the gene expression and protein distribution of different members of the Hsp27, @entity73150 , and Hsp90 families in the central nervous system of @entity742 naturally infected with scrapie. Different expression profiles were observed in the areas analysed. Whereas changes in transcript levels were not observed in the cerebellum or medulla oblongata, a significant decrease in HSP27 and HSP90 was detected in the prefrontal cortex. In contrast, HSP73 was over-expressed in diencephalons of scrapie animals. Western blotting did not reveal significant differences in Hsp90 and @entity73150 protein expression between scrapie and control animals. Expression rates identified by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting were compared with the extent of classical @entity75 using stepwise regression. Changes in Hsp gene and protein expression were associated with prion @entity1131 , @entity5219 and spongiosis rather than with apoptosis. Finally, immunohistochemistry revealed intense @entity73150 and Hsp90 immunolabelling in Purkinje cells of scrapie @entity742 . In contrast, controls displayed little or no staining in these cells. The observed differences in gene expression and protein distribution suggest that the @entity1457 proteins analysed play a role in the natural form of the disease.
