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M Ianconescu

Publications and source records attributed to M Ianconescu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Comparative susceptibility of a canine cell line and bluetongue virus susceptible cell lines to a bluetongue virus isolate pathogenic for dogs.

Recently, bluetongue virus (BLU) serotype 11 was detected in diseased dogs that had been inoculated with live attenuated vaccine contaminated with this serotype of bluetongue virus (Akita et al., 1994). For various laboratory tests, BLU can be propagated in different cell cultures. No information was found in the literature about the possibility of propagating this virus in canine cells. To determine whether the BLU isolate from the contaminated canine vaccine (BLU-vac) is unique in its ability to replicate in canine cells, this virus was studied in parallel with U.S. prototype strains of BLU (serotypes 2, 10, 11, 13, and 17), in hamster lung (HmLu-1) and canine kidney (MDCK) cell cultures. In HmLu-1 cell cultures, the BLU-vac produced cytopathic effect (CPE) of the same type as the U.S. prototype BLU strains by 4 to 6 d postinoculation. In MDCK cell cultures, all of the BLU strains tested were able to replicate but did not produce CPE. The BLU-inoculated MDCK cells became persistently infected, and these cultures continued to produce infectious BLU even after six serial passages over 2 1/2 mo. In none of these cultures was CPE observed. In mixed cultures containing both HmLu-1 and MDCK cells, CPE first affected the HmLu-1 islands; subsequently, CPE spread also to the areas with MDCK cells. The silent persistent infection of the MDCK cells with BLU indicates that more stringent screening of the cells used in the production of live vaccines for various contaminating viruses is necessary.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Hybridization relatedness of Israeli and U.S. bluetongue (BLU) serotypes using cDNA probes from BLU virus strain 11-UC8.

Partial cDNA clones representing 47%, 96%, and 98% of genome segments 7, 9, and 10, respectively, of a US bluetongue virus (BLU) 11 virulent strain were used to study, for the first time, the genetic relationships between Israeli BLU proto-serotypes and field isolates, and US BLU proto-serotypes. Their usefulness as group-specific identification probes was also determined. The viral nucleic acid was extracted from the infected cells and the purified dsRNA genome segments were fractionated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, transferred to a nylon membrane and hybridized to the 32P labeled DNA probes. The three probes recognized all the samples tested. Genome segment 7, that code for the mayor inner capsid protein VP7, showed the most variation in the hybridization signal with the US proto-serotypes and all the Israeli samples studied. The genome segments 9 and 10 that code for the minor inner capsid protein VP6 and the nonstructural protein NS3, respectively, were highly conserved in all the samples tested despite their distant geographical regions of origin. The last two mentioned clones showed to be good group-specific probes for the identification of BLU samples from Israel and United States. The obtained cloned genetic probes were also tested against US epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) serotype 1 and 2 viral dsRNA, a distantly related orbivirus. None of them hybridized with the viral dsRNA of these two viruses.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Detection of bluetongue virus serogroup by polymerase chain reaction.

To facilitate detection of active bluetongue virus (BTV) infection, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was developed. The BTV reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is a 1-tube reaction and involves chemical denaturation of the double-stranded viral RNA target, a complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis step, and PCR amplification of the cDNA. BTV RT-PCR using primers derived from highly conserved genome segment 10 results in a 251-base pair (bp) product. BTV RNA from all USA prototype serotypes 2, 10, 11, 13, and 17; a wide spectrum of USA BTV field isolates including serotypes 10, 11, 13, and 17; and a spectrum of Israeli field isolates including serotypes 2, 4, 6, 10, and 16 were detected by BTV RT-PCR. With agarose gels, the 251-bp product was detected from as little as 100 fg-1 pg of BTV RNA, which is equivalent to 5 x 10(3)-5 x 10(4) viral particles or 5 x 10(2)-5 x 10(3) infectious units. With dot blot hybridization, specific PCR product was detected from as little as 1 fg of BTV RNA, which is equivalent to 50 viral particles, or 5 infectious units. This level of sensitivity is comparable to that of virus isolation. The BTV RT-PCR using primers derived from genome segment 10 can detect a wide spectrum of USA and Israeli BTV serotypes and has potential for detection of infection by the BTV serogroup. Application of this BTV PCR to clinical samples is in progress.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Lymphoproliferative disease virus of turkeys: sequence analysis and transcriptional activity of the long terminal repeat.

The lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) is the etiological agent of a lymphoproliferative disease that naturally occurs in turkeys. Recently, we have cloned the LPDV provirus and established it as a replication-competent genome devoid of a viral oncogene [Gak et al., J. Virol. 63 (1989) 2877-2880]. This report presents the nucleotide sequence of its long terminal repeat (LTR) and establishes it as a potent transcriptional element. Several features of the LPDV LTR were similar to those found in the LTRs of the avian sarcoma-leukemia viruses (ASLV) and include the primer-binding site (tRNATrp), the polypurine tract, the organization of the polyadenylation signal, the complexities of the U3, R and U5 regions, as well as a potential secondary structure in U5-R. The LTR sequence diverges significantly from the ASLV LTRs, which share a common structure and have extensive sequence homology mainly in the R and U5 domains. These findings support the conclusion that LPDV represents a distinct class of avian retrovirus, evolutionarily related to the ASLV family.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Evidence of genome segment 5 reassortment in bluetongue virus field isolates.

A recombinant cDNA probe from genome segment 5 obtained from a virulent US bluetongue virus strain (BTV-11 strain UC8) was hybridized to US and Israeli BTV prototypes and field isolates. The cloned genetic probe hybridized with US BTV prototype 10, but not with US prototypes 2, 11, 13, and 17; with the avirulent BTV-11 strain UC2; and with the Israeli prototype 10. When the probe was hybridized to field isolates from the US serotypes, it hybridized to 12 of 14 BTV-10 isolates and 4 of 17 BTV-11 samples, but not to the BTV-13 and BTV-17 samples tested. Hybridization was not observed with the Israeli field isolates studied. Results indicate that a reassortant event occurred between a strain of US BTV-10 and US BTV-11 that originated the BTV-11 strain UC8.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

An in-vivo infectivity assay for cloned retroviruses lacking a susceptible cell culture.

The lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of turkeys is the retroviral agent of etiology of a rapidly developing, naturally occurring, lymphoproliferative process. Recently we have molecularly cloned the viral genome. The lack of a susceptible cell culture which can sustain LPDV replication hampered the analysis of the infectious capability of the cloned genome. Based on the efficient in-vivo replication of LPDV we have developed a sensitive in-vivo approach aimed at establishing the infectious capability of the cloned provirus. According to this approach, peripheral leukocytes withdrawn from 3-week-old turkeys were transfected with the cloned DNA and the transfected leukocytes were re-injected into the turkey from which they had been obtained. The injected leukocytes enabled the efficient expression of the viral genome and the release into the blood stream of LPDV virions, which thereafter could travel to their appropriate in-vivo target lymphoid cells and start multiple replication cycles, resulting in the development of a detectable viremia. The applicability of this in-vivo assay for other cloned viral genomes is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Molecular cloning of an oncogenic replication-competent virus that causes lymphoproliferative disease in turkeys.

The lymphoproliferative disease virus of turkeys was molecularly cloned, structurally mapped, and shown to represent a distinct class of retroviruses evolutionarily related to the avian leukemia-sarcoma virus group. The cloned provirus did not contain any known oncogene or other cellularly derived sequences and was established as a replication-competent oncogenic entity capable of inducing the disease in the absence of any associated transforming counterpart.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Analysis of structural polypeptides of the lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of turkeys.

The polypeptide composition of the lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of turkeys was shown to comprise several polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 76, 31, 28, 20 and 15 kDa. This polypeptide pattern is distinctly different from the protein profiles of avian leukosis viruses, reticuloendotheliosis virus, or murine leukemia viruses. Moreover, LPD virions contain 2 major structural proteins (p31 and p28), in contrast to only one major internal protein present in most other retroviruses. The 76 kDa protein was established as the major viral envelope glycoprotein. The uniqueness of the LPDV polypeptide pattern is consistent with the lack of genetic relatedness of LPDV genome to other retroviruses, establishing LPDV as a representative of a distinct group of retroviridae.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Simultaneous screening for two different antibodies in ELISA by combining two solid phases: microtiter plate and Falcon assay screening test system lid.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described that used a combination of 2 solid phases: a microtiter plate covered with a Falcon assay screening test (F.A.S.T.) system lid. By coating each solid phase with a different antigen, it was possible to simultaneously detect 2 different antibodies. The results of the combined test were compared and found similar to those obtained in separate assays on the same solid phases by the usual ELISA method. Further, the combined test was more economical in time, work and materials than 2 separate tests for the 2 antibodies. This method was used in a serological survey for 2 turkey viral infections: hemorrhagic enteritis and paramyxovirus type 3.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1985

Iron, transferrin, and acid and alkaline phosphatase in healthy turkeys and in turkeys inoculated with the lymphoproliferative disease virus.

Presented are data on iron-binding capacity determinations in the serum of turkeys infected with lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) virus and in healthy males and females (laying eggs and nonlaying) from a breeding flock. Also presented are results of serum and tissue total acid and alkaline phosphatase determinations in turkey poults infected with LPD virus and their uninfected controls and of serum enzyme levels in healthy males and females from the breeding flock. There was no significant alteration in total iron binding capacity (transferrin level) in the serum of turkeys with LPD. Turkey poults inoculated with LPD virus showed a significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity 4 and 7 weeks postinfection (pi), and a decrease in serum acid phosphatase activity 7 weeks pi. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity determined in the spleen and pancreas (organs with pronounced tumor involvement) 7 weeks pi did not differ significantly from that of healthy controls, although there was a tendency for both enzymes to decline in the pancreas of the infected turkeys. Healthy laying female turkeys demonstrated marked elevation in serum transferrin level and in acid and alkaline phosphatase activity, as compared with males of the same age. Serum alkaline phosphatase of turkey poults was markedly higher than that of adult turkeys.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1983

Genetic control of the organ specificity of lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of turkeys.

In a previous study based on the kinetics of virus replication and tumor formation (Gazit et al., 1982), it was shown that the organotropism of lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) is confined to lymphoid tissues. The present paper demonstrates that this organ specificity is controlled at the level of infection and integration, that is, the lymphoid organs, which are the only organs sustaining virus replication, and also the only organs in whose cells integrated LPDV proviruses are detectable. At the same time, the efficiency of virus replication within the various target organs is regulated both at the level of infection and integration and at the level of viral gene transcription.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Organotropism of the lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of turkeys.

Turkey poults were inoculated with lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) of turkey, and the organotropism of the inoculated virus was determined from the kinetics of virus expression and tumor formation. Molecular hybridization experiments, conducted to determine the level of viral RNA expression in the various organs of infected birds, established lymphoid tissues, including bone marrow, as the target for LPDV infection. Of these, bone marrow was the first to be infected but subsequently virus replication extended to the thymus, the spleen and the bursa Of Fabricius. The low level of LPDV expression in non-target organs probably stemmed from infiltration of infected lymphatic cells. The fact that the main organs for virus replication were not invariably the ones most clinically involved suggests that the target cells for virus infection need not necessarily be the targets for virus oncogenicity. A possible mode for LP[DV infection and transformation is proposed.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Biochemical characterization of the type C retrovirus associated with lymphoproliferative disease of turkeys.

Turkeys inoculated with spleen extracts from lymphoproliferative disease (LPD)-affected birds developed viremia, followed by typical LPD lesions. Electron microscopy and biochemical characterization established that the virus present in the blood of infected turkeys is a type C retrovirus. The viral particles possess a buoyant density of 1.17 g/ml in sucrose gradients; they contain high-molecular-weight RNA and an RNA-instructed DNA polymerase with efficient exogenous and endogenous activity. The LPD virus polymerase is preferentially activated by magnesium ions. Cross nucleic acid hybridization assays revealed no sequence homology between the viral genome of LPD and avian myeloblastosis virus or reticuloendotheliosis virus, thus indicating that the LPD virus belongs to a distinct group unrelated to the avian leukosis-sarcoma virus complex or to the reticuloendotheliosis virus group.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Molecular evidence for a type C retrovirus etiology of the lymphoproliferative disease of turkeys.

Recently, we isolated from the blood of lymphoproliferative disease (LPD)-affected turkeys a type C retrovirus distinct from the avian leukosis-sarcoma virus complex and the reticuloendotheliosis virus group. We present molecular evidence for the implication of this virus in the LPD of turkeys. Using complementary DNA of LPD viral RNA, we found that the LPD viral genome is specifically and efficiently transcribed (2,500 copies per cell) in LPD tumor cells. Moreover, the LPD tumor cells contained newly inserted LPD viral information (5 to 10 copies per haploid genome), which was not present before the infection. From the absence of LPD virus-specific sequences in the normal cell genome of turkeys, it was concluded that the LPD virus is not an endogenous virus of turkeys. DNA-DNA annealing experiments revealed that the degree of sequence homology between LPD viral complementary DNA and cellular DNA of turkeys was not higher than that between LPD viral complementary DNA and cellular DNA of other species, thus indicating that the virus does not originate from turkeys.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Morphologic characterization of proliferative cells and virus particles in turkeys with lymphoproliferative disease.

The tumors found in turkeys having lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) are histologically characterized by a pleomorphic population of cells of the lymphoid series. Electron microscopy has shown that, despite marked differences in shape and size, the proliferating cells share basic ultrastructural features, indicating their lymphoid origin. Virus particles morphologically and morphogenetically characteristic of type C oncorna-viruses of Retraviridae were found in different organs and plasma samples of diseased or infected turkeys with LPD. This LPD type C virus resembled members of the reticuloendotheliosis virus group but not members of the avian sarcoma virus group.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Comparative effects of host and viral factors on early pathogenesis of Marek's disease.

A series of experiments on the early pathogenesis of Marek's disease was conducted according to a uniform scheme. In each experiment, there was a single variable-age, genetic strain, or virus strain. Virus assays from spleen, buffy coat, and bone marrow, and fluorescent antibody tests on spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus were conducted on five birds per group daily from the 3rd through the 10th day postinoculation. From these data, it was apparent that the response could be divided into two periods: 4 to 6 days = early; 8 to 10 days = late. Serological tests showed all groups except the 1-day-old group to have neutralizing antibody by the end of the 10-day period. With few exceptions, none of the variables tested exerted any appreciable influence on the level of virus growth in spleen, bursa, or thymus during the early period. High levels of infection occurred in all birds during that period. Changes in infection pattern which occurred during the late period were significant and could be correlated with occurrence of Marek's disease in test samples of birds held until 7 weeks after infection. Infectivity levels dropped appreciably in the case of resistant N-line birds given JM virus, and, during the late period, infection levels were significantly higher in GA-infected birds than in those given viruses of lower virulence. Whereas the virus titers during the 8- to 10-day period usually reflected the eventual clinical pattern of Marek's disease, the levels of viral antigen (fluorescent antibody tests) were much less consistent. One further experiment conducted by the same uniform scheme demonstrated no significant effects on early pathogenesis or course of Marek's disease in birds given continuous oral medication with amino-ureido-sulfone.

Aging↗