Abstract
Thermotolerance is a temporary resistance against lethal temperatures. Induction of heat shock proteins (HSP), mainly HSP70, has been correlated to this response. Our research demonstrated the pre-exposure to sublethal temperatures of 30, 33 and 36 °C increased the survival of Biomphalaria glabrata to lethal temperature of 42 °C. This animal is a freshwater snail recognized as a suitable organism for experimental research. Additionally, it was observed an induction of HSP70 expression in digestive gland in all temperatures tested but not in ovotestis and head/foot tissues. Despite the higher expression of HSP70 had been detected at 30 °C, the animals exposed to 33 °C presented the highest survival. Our results indicate the increase of HSP70 is involved in the resistance to lethal temperature in B. glabrata as well other proteins.
Highlights
Thermotolerance is a phenomenon in which an initial, nonlethal heat induces temporary resistance against subsequent lethal heat shock
We investigated the effects of pre-exposure to sublethal temperatures in survival at lethal temperatures and in HSP70 expression in B. glabrata
A population of 105 sexually mature snails, 4-6 months old, and with a shell diameter of 14.5 ±1.5 mm were used. They were distributed in three groups of 35 individuals each: 15 individuals were maintained around 25 °C as control (10 to survival experiment and 5 to analysis of HSP70) and 20 individuals were exposed to sublethal temperatures (10 to survival experiment and 10 to analysis of HSP70)
Summary
Thermotolerance is a phenomenon in which an initial, nonlethal heat induces temporary resistance against subsequent lethal heat shock. We investigated the effects of pre-exposure to sublethal temperatures in survival at lethal temperatures and in HSP70 expression in B. glabrata. After the pre-exposure of snails to three different sublethal temperatures, the molluscs were challenged to lethal temperature.
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