Protective Effects of 17-βE on the Primary Hepatocytes of Rainbow Trout () Under Acute Heat Stress.

The rainbow trout () is a typical cold-water species. However, due to global warming, it has experienced prolonged high-temperature stress. Research indicates that thermotolerance in rainbow trout varies by sex at multiple physiological levels. Specifically, females exhibit higher thermotolerance, which may be attributed to estrogen-mediated signal transduction pathways. This study involved culturing primary hepatocytes from rainbow trout and exposing them to estradiol and estrogen receptor antagonists to assess estradiol's protective effects. The analysis focused on expression of ER, HSPs genes, hepatocyte viability, and antioxidant indices. Four experimental groups were treated with 17-βE at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μM/mL for durations of 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h at 18 °C. 17-βE treatment led to increased hepatocyte viability and enhanced SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT levels but decreased MDA levels. , , , and levels were notably higher, with the optimal 17-βE concentration being 1.0 μM/mL. Following heat stress (24 °C), the addition of 1.0 μM/mL 17-βE improved hepatocyte viability and increased SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT levels, while MDA content initially decreased before rising. The gene expression of , , , and was significantly elevated compared to controls. Flow cytometry analysis showed increased apoptosis after heat exposure; however, 17-βE treatment significantly reduced the heat stress-induced effects ( < 0.05). In conclusion, 17-βE and mild heat stress collaboratively enhanced the expression of HSPs and estrogen receptors, thereby providing protection to hepatocytes from heat stress damage, indicating a beneficial protective role of estradiol in rainbow trout hepatocytes.