The dynamics of expression of viral proteins gp51 and p24, virus particle production and mitotic activity of a highly productive bovine leukemia virus clone of the fetal lamb kidney (FLK) cell line were studied. The period of the highest protein production (20-44 h after incubation) was established by the indirect immunofluorescence method using specific monoclonal antibodies. It was followed by a complete formation of the cell monolayer and the most intensive period of the mitotic activity determined by the 3H-thymidine labeling method. After the active synthesis of viral protein, the formation of mature viral particles and their shedding in the intercellular spaces was established electron-microscopically and by the syncytia induction test. A similar comparative study was carried out with a BLV producing short-term lymphocyte culture (STLC).