Mammary Tumour Virus (MTV)-specific Immune Complex Deposites in Renal Glomeruli of MTV-infected Tumour-free Mice

Using direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests MTV-specific immune complex deposits were found in tumour-free female mice of the strains C3H/Bln, CBA/Bln, XVII/BlnfCBA/Bln, and CBA/BlnfXVII/Bln. These deposits consist of immunoglobulin, complement, and MTV antigen(s). The immune complex deposition increases with age. Antibodies eluted from renal tissue homogenate react with both MTV-A and -B particles in immunofluorescence tests performed on mouse mammary tumour slices. By these results the earlier finding of age-dependent spontaneously occurring anti MTV antibodies in naturally MTV-infected mice is confirmed and completed.