[Fibronectin in the chorioretinal wound after laser photocoagulation]

Fibronectin (Fn) is a glycoprotein which mediates adhesion, extension, migration, and chemotaxis of the cells. We did a histochemical study of the time course of appearance and distribution of Fn in the chorioretinal wound after laser photocoagulation. In the normal chorioretinal tissue, Fn was detected in the internal limiting membrane, Bruch's membrane, and the endothelium of chorioretinal vessels. Shortly after laser photocoagulation, Fn appeared on Bruch's membrane and in the endothelium of choroidal vessels and choroidal stroma, and was prominent by one week after laser photocoagulation. Although Fn disappeared when wound healing was accomplished, it was still detected on Bruch's membrane one month after laser photocoagulation. These findings suggest that Fn is related to chorioretinal wound healing after laser photocoagulation.