Ultrastructural localization of fibronectin in duct cells of human minor salivary glands and its immunochemical detection in minor salivary gland secretion

Fibronectin (Fn) was localized in duct cells by means of a light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical technique. The subcellular localization demonstrated that Fn is synthesized in these cells and thus not exclusively produced by cells with a mesodermal background. Fn concentration, as measured by radioimmunoassay, was higher in saliva from the minor salivary glands than in unstimulated whole saliva, whereas Fn was undetectable in stimulated parotid saliva. Fn is thus a conspicuous component in unstimulated resting saliva. Fn may be an important factor, negative or positive, for the integrity of the oral hard and soft tissues because it has the capability to bind and agglutinate microorganisms.