Distribution of virus-like particles in the lymphatic tissues of "nonleukemic" CFW-w conventional mice.

Abstract

SummaryA study was made on the “non-leukemic” conventional CFWW mice which show a 29% incidence of spontaneous leukemia by 24 months of age. An estimate on the presence of virus particles in the thymus showed 61% with C type particles and 28% with A2 particles. In addition, 22% of the spleens and 17% of the lymph nodes examined contained C type particles. The C type particles in the thymus were associated with epthelial cells while the A2 particles were within lymphocytes. This particle concentration within certain cell types, as it may relate to sampling error, was discussed. The implication of the thymus as a source of virus was discussed, including the possible role of the thymic blood barrier and epithelial cells in the “release” of particles to other lymphatic tissues.