title: In vitro inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite invasion by human plasma fibronectin.
abstract: Human fibronectin isolated from citrated blood was tested for its ability to bind to Plasmodium falciparum by an indirect immunofluorescent assay using rabbit antiserum to human fibronectin. A positive reaction was observed on merozoites inside schizont-infected erythrocytes. The binding was not observed on non-parasitized red blood cells. The effect of human fibronectin on P. falciparum growth was further studied using an in vitro inhibition assay; 50% inhibition of parasite multiplication was obtained with approximately 100 micrograms/ml of human fibronectin. Slight inhibition was observed below 10 micrograms/ml. The significance of this finding is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins