Ultrastructural study of the fibers of the Elastic System in the Gallus gallus dom bond. l. adult.

Abstract

Using the technique advocated by Cotta-Pereira et al. (1976), it was possible to distinguish tin the vincula of adult animals the three types of fibers of the Elastic System. In this hand, were observed that the elastic fibers made up of central amorphous material enveloped by 10 and 12 nm. diameter microfibrils. The oxitalan fibers consist only of bundles of microfibrils of tubular appearence, also 10 to 12 nm. in diameter. The elaunin fibers, with characteristic intermediate, made up of bundles of microfibrils with scarce intermingled electrodense amorphous material. The presence of the fibroblasts with a well developed vacuolar system, as a close relationship between the different types of fibers of the elastic system in the vinculum, indicated that these cells are responsible for the synthetization of the components of such fibers. The presence of oxytalan and elaunin fibers representing ontogenic phases in the formation of elastic fibers is assumed to indicate that the elastogenesis is a continued process throughout the life of the animal.