Plasma Fibronectin Response to Sepsis

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Abstract
Plasma fibronectin (PFN) is a high MW adhesive glycoprotein. Following trauma or sepsis PFN is acutely depleted, with rapid restoration of normal or supranormal levels after 24-48 h. Cecal ligation with perforation provides an animal model of surgical trauma combined with polymicrobial sepsis. The present study examines whether this PFN level restoration 6-24 h postoperatively is associated with de novo PFN synthesis and how this response is altered by pre-existing protein-calorie deprivation. Thirty-six adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: I-Controls, II-Prefasted Controls, III-Ligated, IV-Prefasted and Ligated. Control and experimental groups received intracardiac 35S-methionine 2 h postoperatively. Plasma fibronectin (PFN) levels, PFN specific activity, plasma total protein and total protein specific activity were determined at 0, 6, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Ligated rats (groups III and IV) demonstrated significant PFN level increases 24-48 h postoperatively (P < 0.01-0.05). Despite a significant preoperative PFN level depression in prefasted rats (groups II and IV), the 24-48 h response to cecal ligation was not significantly altered. PFN specific activity was significantly increased among the operative groups 6 h postoperatively, demonstrating de novo PFN synthesis following cecal ligation and perforation.