EXPRESSION OF A 50 KDA PUTATIVE RECEPTOR FOR BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHEA VIRUS IN BOVINE FETAL TISSUES

The expression of a 50 kDa bovine viral diarrhea virus putative recept or in different bovine fetal tissues from 3-month old fetuses was stud ied. The receptor expression was examined by immunocytochemical staini ng and by immunoblotting using antiidiotypic probe (anti-D89), Intense specific staining in enterocytes of the small and large intestines, c ortical tubular epithelial cells of kidneys, respiratory epithelial ce lls of the trachea and esophageal mucosal epithelial cells was observe d, demonstrating the strong expression of bovine viral diarrhea virus receptor in the tissues. Weak staining was found in cerebellum, thymus , spleen, liver, cerebrum, and lung tissues; however, heart tissues we re negative. Immunoblotting results correlated with the immunoperoxida se staining assays. Thus, the expression levels of the receptor are va riable in different tissues. This pattern of expression may provide cl ues to the pathogenic potential of bovine viral diarrhea virus in the bovine fetus.