Multiplicity of Cell Response to the BAI Strain A (Myeloblastosis) Avian Tumor Virus. I. Nephroblastoma (Wilms' Tumor): Gross and Microscopic Pathology<xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn1">2</xref>

Abstract

The gross and microscopic features of the renal tumor occurring in chickens exposed to the BAI strain A (myeloblastosis) avian tumor virus are described. The neoplasm is a growth of mixed tissue components consisting of epithelial structures of variable resemblance to normal nephronic elements enclosed in a stroma of differing states of differentiation between primitive epithelium and mesenchyme to frank, disseminated, or circumscribed sarcoma. In addition, deposits of cartilage and osteoid, as well as loci of epithelial keratinization are frequently observed. In all aspects of histologic composition, this virus-induced tumor closely resembles the nephroblastoma occurring under natural conditions in man (Wilms' tumor), rabbits, swine, and chickens. The findings support the concept that the growth originates in nephrogenic elements residual in the postembryonic kidney and suggest a possible mechanism for maintenance of continuous growth.