Nilgün Kuru - Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye
Mustafa Öztop - Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Türkiye
Emel Demirbağ - Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Isparta Health Services Vocational School, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Türkiye
Nazlı Ercan - Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye

Organisms have evolved defense mechanisms to protect themselves from stressful conditions. The expression of heat shock proteins is considered a valid indication of protection from the adverse effects of hostile conditions. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to investigate the seasonal effects of some abiotic factors on heat shock protein ۷۰ and ۹۰ (HSP۷۰ and HSP۹۰) expression in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues of ۲۴ Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) caught in Karataş Lake (Burdur, Türkiye) using gillnets of various mesh sizes. We also measured some physicochemical parameters on-site at sampling time and took water samples for further analyses of other physicochemical parameters and heavy metals. Immunostaining for HSP۹۰ was stronger than for HSP۷۰ in both liver and gill samples. Liver and gill structures exhibited significant seasonal differences in HSP۷۰ and HSP۹۰ immunoreactivity, and the same was true for immunostaining for HSP۷۰ and HSP۹۰ in muscle samples. Some physicochemical properties seemed to vary considerably between seasons, with Fe, Mn, and Zn levels tending to exhibit changes throughout the seasons. However, these levels were considered acceptable for human health. In conclusion, this study suggests that substantial changes in HSP۷۰ and HSP۹۰ expression may be essential for seasonal adaptation and tolerance. Further research on fish HSPs would greatly contribute to aquaculture, which is essential for meeting food requirements.

Common carp, Gill, Heavy metal, Liver, Muscle