Elastic fibres have been generally considered to play no significant role in the mechanical functioning of the intervertebral disc since earlier studies reported that the elastic fibre network was sparse and irregular. However, a recent study has reported that the network is highly organized and that the distribution and orientation of elastic fibres varies from region to region. In the annulus...

Numerous diseases have been linked to genetic mutations that lead to reduced amounts or disorganization of arterial elastic fibres. Previous work has shown that mice with reduced amounts of elastin (Eln+/-) are able to live a normal lifespan through cardiovascular adaptations, including changes in haemodynamic stresses, arterial geometry and arterial wall mechanics. It is not known if the timel...

The experiments described in this paper were carried out with the object of studying the power of resistance possessed by elastic tissue to degenerative changes, the order of such changes as do occur when this resistance is overcome, and the effect of continuously applied tension upon these fibres. Space does not permit of more than a brief review of the investigations already made by pathologi...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence of structural disorders of the corpora cavernosa in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), as despite new drugs being effective in many men with ED, some aspects of structural disorders of the corpora cavernosa remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biopsy specimens were taken from the corpora cavernosa of seven patients (mean age 57.8 years, range 51-72) w...

Elastic fibres play a crucial function during the process of lung alveolisation. During the perinatal period, any changes in the elastogenic process during foetal development may result in permanent lifetime defects. In pre-natal life, well-developed pulmonary elastic fibres should favor the pre-natal maturation of the lung and an enhanced alveolisation, which in many species, such as humans be...

It is widely accepted that elastotic changes of the skin are primarily an indicator of cumulative sun exposure of the dermis and are a characteristic finding of actinic keratoses. To date, there have been few reports that measure the amount of elastic tissue objectively and quantitatively, especially in actinic keratoses. The computerized image analysis method has proved useful recently in dete...

Background: Vascular remodelling has recently been shown to be a promising pathogenetic indicator in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs). Aim: To validate the importance of the collagen/elastic system in vascular remodelling and to study the relationships between the collagen/elastic system, survival and the major histological patterns of IIPs. Methods: Collagen/elastic system fibres were...

7Edberg SC, Bottonbley CJ and Gam K. Use of sodium polyanethol sulfonate to selectively inhibit aminoglycoside and polymyxin antibiotics in a rapid blood level antibiotic assay. There are numerous empirical methods for staining elastic fibres.' Most require relatively lengthy procedures which involve overnight incubation, and are therefore not adapted to simultaneous evaluation with the corresp...