Elastin Substructure as Revealed by Prolonged Treatment with Periodic Acid

Using tannic acid stain, the effect of periodic acid upon elastic fibers was investigated. By prolonged treatment with periodic acid, elastic fibers of the rabbit carotid artery revealed a fibrlllar network that consisted of fine fibrils approximately 4 nm in diameter. This finding is interpreted to be the result of removal of tannic acid-reactive materials with which the elastin substructure was previously masked. Similar features were observed after prolonged treat-ment with osmium tetroxide, as indicated by Cliff. Taking these two treat-ments into account, the elastin substructure was discussed. Key Kw</j=elastin substructure: rabbit carotid artery: tannic acid-reactive materials: periodic acid: osmium tetroxid