Loss of surface fibronectin from human lung fibroblasts exposed to cytotoxin from Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile cytotoxin caused an irreversible dose- and time-dependent loss of fibronectin from the surfaces of human lung fibroblasts, paralleling the appearance of the cytopathic effect. Fibronectin was not required for the intoxication process. The results lend further support to a transmembrane connective link between fibronectin and the microfilaments.