Ultrastructure of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in ovine induced by inoculation of bovine leukemia virus.

Abstract

The malignant transformation of normal cells by leukemia viruses is the subject of much current interest. It has been reported that subcutaneous inoculation or oral administation of blood from leukotic cows into sheep caused lymphoproliterative malignant tumors. The present study was undertaken to define the ultrastructure of ovine lymphocytes with lymphosarcoma induced by inoculation of bovine leukemic virus (BLV). It was also anticipated that electron microscopy would give information concerning the possible etiologic factors involved in ovine lymphosarcoma.Twenty Louisiana native lambs were divided into three groups. The first group, six controls, were inoculated with 1 ml of tris buffer, 0.9 ml via the jugular vein and 0.1 ml was inoculated intradermally at the prescapular area. The second group, of seven, were inoculated with BLV culture at early passage, 0.9 ml via the jugular vein and 0.1 ml intradermally at the prescapular area. The third group, of seven was inoculated with BLV culture at late passage, 0.9 ml via the jugular vein and 0.1 ml intradermally at the prescapular area.