Fibronectin and type I collagen distribution in primary stage of experimental hepatic fibrosis.

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Abstract
The localization of fibronectin (FN) and type I collagen in livers of normal rats administered CCl4 was investigated using immunoperoxidase techniques. Continuous observation of the respective specimens in these experiments were done by EM. Neither FN or type I collagen was found in any hepatocytes and sinusoids of normal rat livers, except in a small amount in the central and portal areas. In CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, FN was first distributed from plasma, followed by type I collagen distribution on the relevant FN deposits. These latter matrix proteins were found to exhibit a distribution pattern similar to that of FN. Primary changes in liver fibrosis due to the administration of CCl4 are assumed to occur as follows: FN is 1st deposited from plasma together with macrophages and fibroblasts, followed by the secretion of type I collagen in the FN deposits by infiltrated fibroblasts, and/or transported Ito cells.