Comparative studies on the distribution mode of orthomyxo-virus and paramyxo-virus receptor possessing cells in mice and birds.

Many experimental studies have shown that orthomyxo- and para-myxoviruses may be pneumotropic, but not enterotropic in mammals. On the other hand, these viruses are both pneumotropic and enterotropic in avian species. We have devised a new method for detecting virus receptor possessing cells (VRPC) in tissue sections. VRPC could be detected in the cells lining the airways of both mice and birds. The mode of distribution of VRPC in mouse digestive system differed remarkedly from that in avian digestive system. VRPC were not found in the epithelium of mouse digestive systems whereas the epithelium of bird digestive system were abundant in VRPC. When the large intestines from mice or duck undergoing laparotomy and inoculated directly into intestine with influenza virus were examined, viral antigen was detected in the epithelial cell of duck colon, but not in mouse intestines. From the study utilizing the new method, it could be concluded that the distribution mode of VRPC is one of the most important factors determining the virus tissue specificity.