[Distribution of fibronectin and other plasma proteins in gastric cancer tissues: investigation of mechanisms of desmoplasia of the stroma].

To elucidate the mechanisms of desmoplasia of gastric cancer tissues, distribution of fibronectin (FN), fibrinogen (Fbg), alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI) and factor XIII (XIIIA) in fresh 49 gastric cancer tissues and 5 gastric ulcer tissues was studied by indirect immunofluorescent technique. FN existed scarcely in the basement membrane area of gastric cancer tubuli. FN and Fbg were distributed in same patterns abundantly in the stroma of all gastric cancer tissues regardless of their histological types. Neither alpha 2PI nor XIIIA was demonstrated in gastric cancer tissues. Autofluorescence of the cross-linked collagen fibers, which were seen in many gastric cancer cases, were surrounded with FN and Fbg. These results were well identical with those obtained from gastric ulcer tissues. These facts indicate that such a mechanism as non-specific wound healing process participates in desmoplasia of gastric cancer stroma as well as in fibrosis of gastric ulcer.