[The significance of structural glycoproteins, demonstrated by the example of the fibronectins. Biochemical principles and clinical use].

Fibronectin, a structural glycoprotein on cell surfaces, appears in significant concentrations too in human blood plasma. Fibronectin influences cell interactions and cell growth and is an essential part of the extracellular matrix. The following review summarizes the biochemistry and function of fibronectin--or rather of fibronectins, bearing in mind the difference in protein structure between plasma fibronectin and cell surface fibronectin. Fibronectin is identical with one opsonin (alpha 2-opsonic glycoprotein). During shock and septicemia it undergoes a marked decrease. The diminished concentration in the plasma indicates a reduced function of the reticulo-endothelial system. A report is given on initial substitution trials.