Analysis of MHC-classIIα gene of Caspian trout (Salmo trutta caspius)by using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method

MHC molecules have many important functions related to adaptive immune system in vertebrates andassessment of effects of natural selection and genetic drift on MHC genes diversity of different species are very important. In this study, the MHC genes diversity of native and endangered Caspian trout (Salmotruttacaspius) fishesthat is supported by restocking programs, were investigated. Hence, DAA locus of MHC class-IIα gene became analysis in 50 samples of Caspian trout fishes by SSCP method. Results indicated this gene has at least 15 alleles that MHCScCa-DAA*03 and MHCScCa-DAA*10 alleles have the most frequency. Also, observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He) and Shannon index equal to 0.80, 0.82 and 2.037, respectively. In conclusion it must be mentioned, althogh MHC genome of Caspian trout has high allelic diversity, but according to endangered conservational state of this species and human impacts, most of low frequency alleles are in risk of allelic lost. Therefore, the conservation of this genome pool during Caspian trout restocking programs is very critical issue.