Abstract：To detect the expression and distribution of integrin αvβ6 of Foot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV) in the tissues and organs of healthy sheeps(Ovis aries), and explore the biological basis of tissue tropism in the FMDV infection, tissue profile of integrin αvβ6 in healthy sheeps was detected by indirect immunohistochemistry assay(IHA). Results showed that buffy idio-positive reactant was appeared in cell membrane and cytoplasm of epithelium of sheep tongue, nose, lip, palatum molle, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lung and pedal coronary band, respectively. These results suggest that integrin αvβ6 receptor is generally expressed in tissues and organs of sheep, and mainly expressed in cell membrane and cytoplasm. Importantly, integrin αvβ6 is expressed at high levels in organs of respiratory system and pedal coronary band epithelium in sheeps.
