Sexual maturation in Atlantic salmon induces a constitutive Mx protein production and influences the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus carrier-status.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate for the first time that sexual maturation induces a constitutive increase in Mx gene expression and protein production in Atlantic salmon. This could explain the reduction in IPNV prevalence previously observed in broodfish at the time of ova/milt stripping. For this purpose, Mx transcript and protein levels were analysed in different tissues/samples and compared between mature broodfish (female and male) and immature parr.