Immunohistochemical identification of group specific antigen in avian leukosis virus infected chickens.

An indirect immunoperoxidase method was employed in the detection of the group specific antigen of avian leukosis virus in the oviduct, spleen, myocardium and bursae of Fabricius of chickens. In the magnum of the oviduct the group specific antigen was detected at the base and in the lumina of glands. In the spleen the group specific antigen was found in and around the arterioles, sheathed capillaries, and in the capsular tissue. In the myocardium the group specific antigen was present in the intercellular spaces and also in some myocardial cells. The bursa of Fabricius had concentrations of the group specific antigen in the medullary parts of follicles over the surface of large lymphoid cells. Absolute ethyl alcohol with acetone and modified Bouin's fluid were suitable as fixatives for preserving the group specific antigen in specimens embedded into low melting point paraffin.