title: Fibronectin and phagocytosis in acute and chronic infections.
abstract: Serum fibronectin (Fn) level and phagocytosis function were investigated during acute and chronic infections. Serum Fn concentration was significantly decreased in septic patients (mean +/- ES, 80 +/- 12 micrograms/ml, p less than 0.001) and was increased in chronic bronchitis patients (575 +/- 18 micrograms/ml, p less than 0.001) as compared to the controls. The phagocytosis index was decreased in septicaemia and not significantly changed in chronic bronchitis. Phagocytosis dysfunction was associated to a low serum Fn level in acute infections. Phagocytosis was stimulated in vitro, by purified Fn. Serum Fn concentration reflects the reticuloendothelial function and could be a marker of infection together with other parameters.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000097:blood*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D010587:Phagocytosis; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins