[The role of fibronectin in repairing fetal membrane]

The fibrin adhesion technique is being recognized as a way to prevent amniotic fluid leakage in the case of preterm premature rupture of the fetal membrane (PROM). However, the effect of fibrin adhesion is still not clear. The aim of this study is to investigate the implications of fibronectin in repairing the fetal membrane. We divided 9 normal fetal membranes into 4 groups. In all the groups, an incision was made in the membrane with a sterile knife. Group A: The incisions in the membranes were sealed with fibrinogen and thrombin (N = 9). Group B: The incisions in the membranes were sealed with fibrinogen and thrombin with fibronectin (N = 9). Group C: Fibronectin was added to the culture medium containing fetal membranes (N = 9). Group D: The fetal membranes were cultured in the medium alone (N = 9). All membranes were cultured for 6 days in 10% fcs added to MEM and analyzed histologically. In group A, fibrin clots did not attach to the membranes at all. In group B, fibrin clots attached closely to the membranes. In group C, fibroblasts increased remarkably at the incision sites on the fetal membranes. In group D, fibronectin accumulated at the incision sites on the fetal membranes. These results suggest that fibronectin is important in repairing fetal membrane.