Abstract
Stress response in animals is a sequence of changes to certain challenges that animals can undergo. Arabian (dromedary) camels were exposed to continuous heat stress under controlled environment. Blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 6 and 24 h of heat stress exposure. Total RNA was isolated and converted into cDNA. The differential expression of a group of heat stress responsive genes was assessed using real-time PCR. The Ones HSP60, HSPA6, HSP105 and HSPA1L were over-expressed at 3 h point, followed by sharp drop at 6 h point, and then rebounded after 24 h of heat stress exposure. The expression of other heat stress responsive genes (HSP70, HSP90, HSPFB and CaHS) was marginally affected along the heat stress period. The integration of gene functions and physiological mechanisms will lead to better understanding of body homeostatic mechanisms in camels under heat stress.