Localization of constitutive and hyperthermia-induced heat shock proteins to synapses of the rat brain

grantor: University of TorontoThis thesis examines the expression of heat shock proteins Hsp90, Hsc70, Hsp70, Hsp60, Hsp32 and Hsp27 in rat brain tissues under normal physiological conditions and following hyperthermic stress. Specifically this study has assessed whether these heat shock proteins localize to synaptic structures in the mammalian brain. Western blot analysis of synaptic fractions derived from control animals demonstrated the presence of constitutively expressed Hsp90, Hsc70 and Hsp60. In addition, hyperthermia caused the association of stress-induced Hsp70, Hsp32 and Hsp27 with synaptic components. The localization of constitutive Hsc70 and hyperthermia-induced Hsp70, Hsp32 and Hsp27 to synaptic sites in the rat cerebellum was visualized using electron microscope immunocytochemistry. These findings suggest that heat shock proteins play a role in synaptic function under normal conditions and may facilitate the repair and recovery of synaptic structures following stress.M.Sc