Effects of Rous Sarcoma Virus on Chicken-Embryo Limb Buds Grafted Onto the Chorioallantoic Membrane2

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Abstract
Leg buds in the 3d day of embryonic development were susceptible to infection with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). RSV had no detectable effect on growth and differentiation as determined by gross examination 5 and 7 days after transplantation onto the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). However, by the 9th day, such infected limbs were grossly enlarged due to hemorrhage, and cartilaginous structures were difficult to identify. Histological examination revealed tumor and hemorrhagic foci in all RSV-infected limbs 5 days after transplantation. Nine days after transplantation 50 to 70 percent of the transplanted limbs were dead. These limbs contained rudimentary cartilaginous structures surrounded by an amorphous, red-staining material containing numerous pyknotic nuclei. Limbs viable 9 days after transplantation appeared as masses of hemorrhage and tumor cells with rudiments of cartilage. Necrotic changes due to RSV were not observed until death of the limb due to massive hemorrhage. Hemorrhage was never found in the absence of tumor cells.