Aspects of the pathogenesis of the Rauscher murine leukemia virus infection

Among the oncogenic viruses, Rauscher murine leukemia virus (R-MuLV) (RAUSCHER 1962) occupies a relatively prominent place in experimental neoplasia. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to acquire more information about the morphological changes occurring during R-MuL V-induced infection, which is also called Rauscher disease of mice (FINK et a!. 1964). During these studies, we were able to determine the morphological expression of the cytopathic effects of R-MuLV and the neoplastic nature of Rauscher disease. Afterwards, the cytopathic effect of R-MuLV on adult and embryonic tissue was studied both light- and electron-microscopically. Finally, we made an attempt to develop a convenient method for the transplantation of hemopoietic cells infected with R-MuL V. This investigation led to the identification of mesenteric hemopoietic colonies. The occurrence of mesenteric hemopoietic colonies was studied in several strains of mice, and to complete the investigation also in Macaca fascicularis monkeys.