Immunofluorescent localization of fibronectin in human oral mucosa

Fibronectin (FN) with an immunohistochemical fluorescence technique using anti-human FN and anti-rat FN sera was localized in the basement membrane of lip, buccal mucosa, palate, tongue, around ectopic sebaceous glands and around acini and ducts of labial salivary glands though in different amounts. In the mucosal lamina propria, FN was present in a net-like pattern. The highest concentrations of FN were in the palatal and tongue connective tissues. Much FN was present in the walls of small blood vessels and in perineural sheaths of peripheral nerves. No fluorescence was seen in the acini of labial salivary glands. In their striated ducts however, some cells were intensely fluorescent; the significance of this is unknown.