Detection of Feline Paraffin Embedding Leukemia Virus in Tissues of Cats by a Paraffin Embedding Immunofluorescence Procedure2

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Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) group-specific antigen (GSA) was Identified in tissues of naturally and experimentally Infected cats by an indirect immunofluorescence procedure with the use of methanol-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Correlation was high between demonstration of FeLV GSA in blood smears, marrow smears, and paraffin-embedded marrow sections. Preservation of FeLV GSA In methanol-fixed paraffin-embedded sections was equal to or better than that obtained with cryotome sections of frozen tissues, as indicated by parallel titration of FeLV GSA reference antiserum. Histologic quality and technical ease were superior with paraffin-embedded tissues. Indirect immunofluorescence on paraffin-embedded tissue sections was used to compare the distribution of GSA In tissues of cats acutely (3–5 wk) or chronically (>12 wk) infected with FeLV. In acutely infected cats, intracytoplasmic GSA was present in intestinal crypt epithelium, bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, and intestinal lymphoid nodules. In chronically infected cats, FeLV replication was detected in the above tissues and also in various epithelial tissues including pharyngeal and nasal mucosa, bladder, salivary gland, and pancreas. These data suggest that the pathogeneSiS of FeLV Infection in cats Involves at least two phases: 1) early hemolymphatlc and intestinal replication and 2) subsequent widespread epithelial infection, which is responsible for excretion and horizontal transmission of the virus.

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