Fibronectin and immune complexes in rheumatic diseases
: The review presents literature data on studies into fibronectin in rheumatic diseases of immunocomplex genesis, its contribution to the development of abnormalities in the immune system and to hemostatic processes in the diseases. The role of fibronectin in the clearance of immune complexes, disturbed metabolism products of connective tissue, fibrin, and its monomers, cell membrane receptor proteins is emphasized. Extracorporeal heparin precipitation by using fibronectin is ascertained to be promising in removing plasma proteins in rheumatic immunocomplex diseases. A possible involvement of fibronectin in the fixation of immune complexes and DNA on the basal membranes, followed by immunocomplex inflammation, in the fibrin-induced R protein retention in the body, suppression of local immunity reactions, and development of joint ankylosis in rheumatic arthritis.