Fibronectin in experimental granulation tissue

The temporal appearance of fibronectin in experimental granulation tissue has been studied using the immunoperoxidase technique on material fixed in formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and pretreated with pepsin. Furthermore, the relationship between the distribution of fibronectin and connective tissue fibres, demonstrated as either argyrophilic or red by the van Gieson method, has been investigated. Fibronectin was demonstrated as part of the fibrinous network in the sponge before the formation of granulation tissue. In the development of granulation tissue fibronectin was seen in the initial cellular stage codistributed with the newly formed fibres, first the argyrophilic fibres and later with those stained red by the van Gieson method, too. With maturation of the granulation tissue, predominated by these fibres, the amount of fibronectin was gradually reduced. The presence of fibronectin in the sponge already before the formation of granulation tissue suggests that fibronectin in the initial stage of inflammation derives from plasma. The increase in amount of fibronectin corresponding to the cellular (fibroblastic) proliferation and the formation of fibres, both argyrophilic and van Gieson positive, indicates that fibronectin in young granulation tissue is synthesized by fibroblastic cells. The relationship between the morphologically demonstrated argyrophilic fibres and van Gieson positive fibres and the biochemical type III and type I collagens is discussed.