Immunofluorescence staining method and fluorescence spectrophotometry were used to study the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins in periodontal ligament cells (PDL cells) when exogenous fibronectin (FN) existed. The results showed that the right amount of exogenous FN (0.044 mumol/l) could increase the amount of type I collagen and type III collagen in PDL cells (P < 0.01), inhibit the synthesis of FN itself (P < 0.01). It suggested that exogenous FN can effect the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins so as to promote a new connective tissue attachment formation.