Induction of a 'stress' protein in intact mammalian organs after the intravenous administration of sodium arsenite

The profile of nascent proteins synthesized in various rabbit organs after the intravenous injection of sodium arsenite was analyzed by the cell-free translation of purified polysomes. Examination of the translation products of polysomes isolated 1 hr after injection of sodium arsenite revealed a marked induction of synthesis of a protein of molecular weight 74,000 (74K) in the kidney, heart and liver which was similar to a 'heat shock' protein which was induced in these organs after elevation of body temperature by 2.5 to 3 degrees C. Synthesis of the 74K protein was not detected in the translation products of brain polysomes isolated 1 hr after sodium arsenite injection.