Constitutive expression of the 27-kDa heat-shock protein in neurons and satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system of the rat

By use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, abundant express ion of the mRNA of 27 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp27) was revealed in the sy mpathetic and parasympathetic ganglia as well as in the sensory ganglia of unstressed adult rats. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry furth er localized Hsp27 mRNA and protein to both neurons and satellite cells in all types of ganglia examined. Schwann cells in the ganglia and peripheral nerve fibers were devoid of Hsp27 signal. These results suggested that Hsp2 7 is constitutively expressed in neurons and satellite cells in the entire peripheral nervous system of the rat. Anat Rec 262: 213-220, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.