Expression of 72-kDa heat shock protein in rat spinal cord after localized hyperthermia

Rat spinal cord was locally heated and the expression of heat shock protein with a molecular weight of 72 kDa (HSP72) was investigated. HSP72 was detected in the cord from one of 3 animals 24 h after exposure to 30 min 42.1°C and in all animals (n=11) after 30 min 42.3-42.9°C. Most neurons and glial cells were HSP72 positive. There was agreement in localization between HSP72 and Factor VIII, a surface antigen on the vascular endothelium. Axons were HSP72 negative. The data indicate that spinal cord components that are susceptible to heat injury and thus would benefit from protection by HSP72, such as neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells, do synthesize HSP72 after heat stress.