Abstract
Objective. Determine cell viability, Hsp70 protein expression, degradation of genetic material and cell death by apoptosis in Katahdin, Dorper ovine and human leukocytes irradiated in vitro with UVA radiation. Material and methods. Leukocytes, which were exposed in vitro to UVA radiation, were used to evaluate cell viability, DNA fragmentation, Hsp70 protein expression and morphological alterations related to apoptosis of each model. Results. A drop in the viability of leukocytes exposed to UVA radiation was found, with ovine being the most affected. An increase in the expression of Hsp70 was observed in human, Katahdin and Dorper leukocytes. A progressive increase in DNA fragmentation was found, as well as an increase in morphological alterations related to apoptosis as the time of exposure to UVA radiation increased, with the Dorper model being the most affected. Conclusions. UVA radiation generates stress in ovine and human leukocytes, observing that humans leukocytes are more resistant, while ovines are more susceptible, mainly the Dorper genotype.