Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are known to be increased in response to stresses. Our immunohistochemical investigations revealed the strong expression of a wide range of HSPs in the chondrocytes of the tibial growth plate cartilage from young rats. HSP28 and HSP70 are expressed in the upper part of the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate cartilage. HSP110 are found from the proliferating zone to the hypertrophic zone. On the other hand, application of the TUNEL method has already shown apoptotic DNA fragmentation in the lower part of the proliferating zone. From then one, HSP expression in the chondrocytes may be correlated with apoptosis, but its possible relation with the different events occurring during the calcification process cannot be excluded.