Plasma fibronectin in man after a severe paraquat intoxication.

Abstract

Fibronectin is a cell surface glycoprotein and belongs to the opsonic system. It can be easily determined in human plasma by laser nephelometry. Patients in shock or with septicemia have extremely low concentrations of fibronectin in plasma which seems to correlate with a depression of the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Determination of fibronectin in human plasma may be a useful parameter for monitoring RES function. Severe intoxication with Paraquat causes a reduction of fibronectin and possibly influences RES function as well.