Cell types associated with fibronectin in long-term mouse bone marrow cultures.

The formation of fibronectin matrix was studied in long-term mouse bone marrow cultures. Stromal and hematopoietic cells were observed in situ under phase contrast optics and quantified according to their staining characteristics on smear preparations. Surface fibronectin was demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence. While only stromal and no hematopoietic cells participated, various stromal cell types differed in their expression of cell surface fibronectin: Reticulum cells contributed the major portion of fibronectin matrix. Elongated, meshwork-forming histiocytes expressed some surface fibronectin, while the flattened, macrophagic histiocytes remained fibronectin negative. These findings were recapitulated during regeneration of scrape wounds in the adherent layers. Isolated fibronectin matrix did not support hematopoietic cell adherence or maintenance, although it had marked effects on stromal cells.