Ki-67 antigen expression in lymphocytes of cattle infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV)

The Ki-67 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes an antigen present on the nuclear membrane surface of mammalian cells in the replication phase, has been used for the determination of the cellular cycle of peripheral blood lymphocytes on a group of cattle positive for bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and with blood values showing a persistent lymphocytosis. The results obtained have shown that: 1. Both of the techniques used (immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase) are easily applicable and give uniform results; 2. Cattle with a persistent lymphocytosis show an absolute number of cells in cycle significantly more elevated compared with cattle positive for BLV with normal blood values.