A study of virus-like particles present in bovine nerve sheath tumours.

The morphology of virus-like particles present in bovine nerve sheath tumours is described, and their origin and significance discussed. Virus-like particles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and tissue culture. The particles were found in a number of tumours and were present either as aggregates in pseudonuclear inclusions or as budding forms associated with the plasma membrane. The latter were found only in cultured tissue. Although other cellular structures were considered it was thought that the particles represented virus, with those in pseudonuclear inclusions being an intermediate form. Both bovine syncytial virus and oncovirinae were considered as possibilities in the aetiology of the condition.