[Syncytia formation in cultures and analysis of the protein composition of various strains of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV)].

The syncytia forming activity of 9 caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) strains isolated from lesions or normal goat tissue was evaluated in vitro. No discrepancies were seen between the structural proteins of the 9 strains by gel electrophoresis. Goat synovial membrane cells were the most susceptible to the 9 CAEV strains. Goat monocytes in culture were susceptible to all the strains tested. At 39 degrees C, all the strains produced more syncitial lesions. In nasal turbinate cells, 2 strains did not form syncytia; one strain induced lysis of all the goat cells used.