Elaunin

Elaunin (Greek verb ἐλαύνω "I steer") is a component of elastic fibers formed from a deposition of elastin between oxytalan fibers. It is found in the periodontal ligament and in the connective tissue of the dermis, particularly in association with sweat glands.[1]

Overview

“The elastic system of normal human skin was studied by light and electron microscopy. By light microscopy three different types of fibers were observed: oxytalan, elaunin, and elastic. The most superficial ones (oxytalan fibers) are very thin and directed perpendicularly to the dermoepidermal junction. They start from a plexus with the tinctorial characteristics of elaunin fibers which is connected with the thicker elastic fibers of the reticular dermis. At the electron microscopic level the oxytalan fibers are formed by bundles of tubular microfibrils 10 to 12 nm in diameter. In the deepest layers of the dermis an amorphous material is seen in the core of these bundles. In the elaunin fibers the amorphous material is sparse, while in the elastic fibers it is abundant and compact." [2]

Identification

Unlike Oxytalan fibres, elaunin fibres stain with orcein, aldehyde fuchsin and resorcin fuchsin without prior oxidation.

See also
  • Elastic fibre

References
  1. Guyton, A.C. & Hall, J.E. (2006) Textbook of Medical Physiology (11th ed.) Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunder ISBN 0-7216-0240-1
  2. Cotta-Pereira G, Guerra Rodrigo F, Bittencourt-Sampaio S (1976): Oxytalan, elaunin, and elastic fibers in the human skin. J Invest Dermatol., 66 3): 143-1488.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.