Allograft inflammatory factor-1 in grass carp (Ctenopharynogodon idella): Expression and response to cadmium exposure

• Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) gene was cloned from grass carp.
• AIF-1 transcript was found in all examined tissues.
• AIF-1 protein was purified and polyclonal antibody against it was produced.
• Cd decreased level of AIF-1 mRNA in spleen, and didn't changed it a lot in kidney.
• Cd decreased level of AIF-1 protein in spleen, and didn't changed it a lot in kidney.

Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1 (AIF-1) is an inflammation responsive protein that is mainly produced by immunocytes. As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, AIF-1 is a key moderator in host immune defense reaction. However, the inflammatory properties of AIF-1 in freshwater fish still hasn't been clearly elucidated. In the present study, AIF-1 was identified from grass carp (Ctenopharynogodon idella). It's transcript was found in all examined tissues including brain, spleen, kidney, liver, heart, while a relative low level in red muscle, gill, thymus, white muscle, intestine and fin. Furthermore, AIF-1 transcription and expression level decreased in spleen and didn't change a lot in kidney with cadmium induction, respectively. The result indicated that grass carp AIF-1 might be involved in cadmium-induced stress.