Identification of molecular messenger genes in labeo rohita responsible for detection, co-ordination and regulation of its immune system.

ABSTRACT

Labeo rohita (Rohu) is one of the most important fish with high potential for aquaculture. It is a major constituent of human diet. As the aqua-culturist goes for intensive or semi-intensive culture systems the incidence of disease shall exceed accordingly. To evaluate the impact of stress, it is important to study the molecular messengers in detail. Acquired immunity is not functional in fishes at the stage of hatching. Consequently, at the long run of life, these fishes are dependant on innate immunity for defence against the myriad of microorganisms found in the aquatic habitat. This work was carried out to understand the protective mechanism of rohu against these pathogens. The presence or absence of the molecular messengers found in higher vertebrates, which play a vital role in immune response and regulation was ascertained. Amplification of the genes through RT-PCR technology with novel primers indicated the presence of MHC2b, interleukin 1 beta chain, MHC 2a, MHC 1a, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) gene. Whereas the presence of Natural Killer cell Enhancing Factor (NKEF), Inducible Nitrous Oxide Synthetase (INOS), Interferon (INF), and β-actin genes could not be justified in this work as no amplification was observed in the RT-PCR experiment.