[Detection of antigens of endogenous viruses of the C-type during mouse development]

Embryos of the 12th-20th day of gestation, newborn and adult AKR and BALB/c mice were investigated for the presence of mouse C-type virus major structural p30 protein (gs-1) and Gross leukemia virus type-specific antigen AGLV) by means of radioimmunodiffusion with test systems. The p30 protein was distinctly determined from the 12th day of intrauterine development in both mouse lines; it persisted in the embryo tissues until birth and was detectable also in the AKR and BALB/c mouse tissues from the first days of postnatal development and during the whole life. AGLV was not revealed in BALB/c and AKR embryos and in adult BALB/c mice; however it was found in the AKR newborn mice since the 1st-2nd day after birth. Basing on these data a conclusion was drawn that p30 protein and AGLV were expressed independently according to the radioimmuno-diffusion method sensitivity.