THE JOURNAL OF THE TOKYO DENTAL COLLEGE SOCIETY

Vol. 105 No. 6      December 2005

ISSN: 0037-3710      UBIC: 342-J

ABSTRACT

In order to elucidate the localization of elastic system fibers in rat molar periodontal ligament, we prepared the horizontal planes of serial frozen sections stained with either Gomori's aldehyde-fuchsin solution or Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin solution. In addition, ultrathin sections were stained with tannic acid solution to detect elastin in the periodontal ligaments. The results showed that a small number of elastic fibers were localized very close to the blood vessels, mainly in the center of the periodontal ligament. Electron microscopy revealed that these elastic fibers were made up of a compact assembly of microfibrils intermingled with small amounts of elastin, identifying them as elaunin fibers. In view of the close elaunin-vascular relationship, the role of elaunin fibers in the periodontal ligaments of rat molars may be that of maintaining the integrity of the vascular system during mastication.(The Shikwa Gakuho, 105 : 602-608, 2005) Key words: elastic fibers, elaunin fibers, oxytalan fibers, rat molar periodontal ligament, electron microscopy

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