A MODIFYING EFFECT OF NITRITES AND NITRATES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIRUS-INDUCED LEUKEMIA IN MICE AND CATTLE

The effect of sodium nitrite in drinkable water on the onset of leukem ia was studied in Balb/c male mice infected with Rausher leukemia viru s. and CC57Br mice infected with Mazurenko virus. Possible connection between the content of sodium nitrate in the forage and the level of b ovine leukemia morbidity was also investigated. Statistically signific ant acceleration of the development of leukemia in mice infected with Rausher leukemia virus and shortening of its incubative period in mice infected with Mazurenko virus have been shown. The incidence of bovin e leukemia proves to grow under the high level of nitrates in the fora ge. A conclusion has been drawn about the intensification of the virus effect by nitrates and nitrites.