Gene expression of hepatic glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 and correlation with plasmatic corticosterone in Italian chickens.

This study examined breed-specific stress related hormonal and gene expression profiles in 10
three Italian chicken breeds (Valdarnese Bianca, Bionda Piemontese, Robusta Maculata)
reared in controlled conditions. Glucocorticoids work through the glucocorticoid receptor
(GR), which modulates target genes transcription. We investigated breed-specific changes
in corticosterone (ELISA) and GR expression. GR mRNA levels were analyzed using
one-tube, two-temperature real-time PCR for absolute quantification of the gene expression 15
by the standard curve method. Our results show high expression of GR in hepatic tissue. Significant
effect of the breed was recorded for plasma corticosterone concentration: Valdarnese
Bianca 3.35 ng/ml, Bionda Piemontese 1.73 ng/ml, Robusta Maculata 2.02 ng/ml. Breed
specific gene expression has been recorded with a GR ranging from 1.12Eþ04 (Robusta
Maculata) to 1.00Eþ05 (Bionda Piemontese) mRNA copy number/100 ng total RNA. 20
Negative correlation was found between gene expression and blood corticosterone level.