Poly I: C stimulates, Mx transcript and promotes an antiviral state in blood of Labeo catla (Hamilton 1822)

In the current investigation, the kinetics of Mx transcripts expression in the blood of Labeo catla (Hamilton 1822) inoculated with poly I: C, was studied for 14 days. The level of Mx transcript in the blood cells increased as compared to control fish inoculated with phosphate buffered saline. The level of Mx transcript was quantified along with semi-quantitative expression for β-actin. The level of Mx transcript was maximum on day 2 and 3 (β-actin: Mx ratio of about 0.8) which reduced after day 4 and the response disappeared on day 7. Western blots of the blood showed an immune-reactive band of 72 kDa, which is typical for L. catla Mx protein. Results suggest an increase in levels of Mx transcript after poly I: C injection which can stimulate an antiviral phase and the appropriateness of Mx expression investigation as an indicator to assess protective action. Keywords: Immuno-histochemistry, Myxovirus resistance, Poly I: C, Reverse transcriptase, Western blotting