In vitro synthesis of immunoglobulin and anti-viral antibody in Aleutian disease viral infection of mink.

Lymphoid cells from Aleutian disease virus (ADV)-infected and noninfected mink were cultured in vitro and the synthesis of Ig M, IgG, and viral-specific antibody measured. Compared to noninfected mink, lymph node cells from mink with Aleutian disease (AD) contained a higher percentage of plasma cells and immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes, synthesized significantly more IgG, and produced detectable quantities of ADV-specific antibody. No significant difference in IgM synthesis was observed.