Heat shock protein 70 expression increased in rabbit Muller cells in the ischemia-reperfusion model

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression in the rabbit retina was evaluated in the ischemia-reperfusion model. Ischemia was induced by increasing the pressure in the anterior chamber, and the retinas were collected 1 or 12 h after reperfusion. HSP70 expression was examined by Western blot, confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. Western blot showe d that HSP70 was significantly increased in the retina 12 h after reperfusi on, compared with normal control or 1 h after reperfusion. Confocal microsc opy demonstrated that HSP70 was constitutive in Muller cells and that its e xpression was increased 12 h after reperfusion. Electron microscopy showed that glycogen-like granules were significantly decreased with prominent end oplasmic reticulum 1 h after reperfusion. Twelve hours after reperfusion, h owever, the density of glycogen-like granules was restored, and immunoelect ron microscopy indicated that HSP70 was associated with the organelles of t he Muller cells. Taken together, these data suggest that HSP70 in Muller ce lls plays a role in accommodation to stress. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger A G, Basel.