Biochemical evidence for the local synthesis and retention of fibronectin in the tissue of human placenta.

1. Human chorionic tissues were incubated with [14C]leucine and/or [3H]glucosamine, and fibronectin synthesis was examined. 2. Radio-labeled fibronectin was detected in the tissue fraction of the incubation mixture, but not in the medium fraction, indicating that fibronectin is synthesized and retained in the tissue. 3. The glycopeptides derived from 3H-labeled fibronectin showed the lectin-binding characteristics similar to those from unlabeled placenta fibronectin, but different from those of plasma fibronectin.