DETERMINATION OF LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS AND PCNA ACTIVITY IN SHEEP EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH BOVINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (BLV)

Lymphocyte phenotypes were determined in sheep experimentally infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV). BLV infection was detected by serological tests AGID and ELISA. Flow cytometry analysis with the use of specific monoclonal antibodies for CD markers and conjugates labeled with FITC or PE was performed. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was estimated in lymphocytes of infected and healthy sheep by flow cytometry. Activity of acid hydrolases ANAE and AP in blood lymphocytes was also determined. The results demonstrated much higher level of PCNA in leukemic lymphocytes than in healthy ones. These values were dependent on the stage of the disease. The BLV infection caused depletion of CD4 lymphocytes in infected sheep.