Fibronectin and phagocytosis in acute and chronic infections.
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.
D000208:Acute Disease; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000097:blood*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D010587:Phagocytosis; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood*
D005353:Fibronectins