Ginkgo biloba extract EGB761 improved anti-heat stress responses in chickens in vivo via regulation of heat-shock protein expression and distribution

Heat stress is a lethal threat to chickens. This study investigated the protective effect of a Ginkgo biloba extract EGB761 against heat stress in chickens in vivo. A total of 200 one-day-old hens were separated randomly into control Con , heat stress HS , 0.1% EGB administration and heat stress 0.1% EGB+HS , 0.3% EGB administration and heat stress 0.3% EGB+HS , and 0.6% EGB administration and heat stress 0.6% EGB+HS groups. After EGB761 administration for 45 days, ten chickens were selected randomly, assigned to one of the designated groups, and exposed to a one-time heat stress condition of 38 ± 1 °C for 3 h. The results showed that EGB761 administration improved the growth performance and physiological condition of the chickens, reducing feeding-related mortality. EGB761 lowered the histological scores of the heart, liver, and duodenum in the heat-stressed chickens. EGB761 significantly reduced the transcription and translation levels of Hsp27, Hsp70, and Hsp90 in these organs. EGB761 might promote the transformation of Hsps in the heart, increase the nuclear translocation of Hsp27 and Hsp90 in hepatocytes, and regulate the accumulation of Hsp27 and Hsp70 in intestinal villi. Therefore, EGB761 administration is a potential method for protecting chickens from acute heat stress damage.