Isolation and characterization of immunoglobulin of the Indian major carp, rohu [Labeo rohita (Ham.)]

Information on the structure and character of immunoglobulin of fishes is essential in health management. A study was carried out to characterize the serum immunoglobulin (IgM) of the Indian major carp, rohu Labeo rohita (Ham.). Rohu (500 g) were immunised with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the anti-BSA antibody was purified employing BSA–CL agarose affinity column chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the purified Ig in a 3% gel under non-reduced conditions revealed a single protein having a molecular weight of 850 kDa. Analysis of the purified serum in 10% SDS-PAGE under reduced conditions revealed that the immunoglobulin contained heavy and light chains with molecular weights of 85 and 23 kDa, respectively. A polyclonal mouse anti-rohu IgM was prepared and used in an immunodot test which showed a specific reaction of the crude rohu anti-BSA antiserum and the purified anti-BSA IgM with BSA. Results indicate that the immunoglobulin of L. rohita is tetrameric IgM, similar to that of other fishes.