Biochemical and electron microscopical evidence for the presence of oncorna viruses in spleen tissue from two patients with haematological malignancies.

In extracts of spleen tissue from two patients with haemotological malignancies an RNA dependent DNA polymerase was found in particles with a density of 1.16, that is at the density of oncorna viruses. After treatment with noniomic detergents the enzyme activity was found in particles with a density of 1.23-1.24, similar to the density of oncorna viral cores. A simultaneous detection test with this core fraction material for 70 S RNA and RNA dependent DNA polymerase was positive for both patients. Electron microscopical inspection of the material with a density of 1.16 revealed immature C-type virus like particles, various stages of maturing particles and a number of particles resembling mature C-type oncorna viruses. In two normal spleens from patients with carcinoma of the colon and oesophagus respectively and in three spleens from patients with no history of malignancy no RNA dependent DNA polymerase was found. Material from one normal spleen was examined in the electron microscope and no virus-like particles were seen.