Abstract
The fibronectin family of proteins is found in the extracellular matrix and plasma. Fibronectins interact with specific adhesion molecules on cell surfaces and have been implicated in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis (1). Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is an immunologically unique fibronectin that contains an epitope referred to as the oncofetal domain that is recognized by the monoclonal antibody FDC-6 (2). During gestation, fFN’s location at the choriodecidual interface suggests a role for this protein in anchoring the fetal trophoblast to the maternal decidua (3). Fetal fibronectin is released into cervicovaginal secretions before the onset of labor, and although the mechanism of this release is not clear, it has been suspected to occur by either mechanical or inflammatory mechanisms (4).
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Point-of-Care Testing |
Subtitle of host publication | Performance Improvement and Evidence-Based Outcomes |
Publisher | CRC Press |
Pages | 477-489 |
Number of pages | 13 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781420028898 |
ISBN (Print) | 0824708687, 9780824708689 |
State | Published - Jan 1 2002 |