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Oxytalan fibers are elastic-like fibers that run parallel to the tooth surface and bend to attach to cementum. Fibrillin builds the oxytalan fibers, which causes the elastic behavior.Welsch – Lehrbuch der Histologie, Elsevier München 2010
In the cellular anatomy of teeth, oxytalan fibres are a component of the extracellular matrix. They were first described by Fullmer & Lillie (1958) in periodontal membranes. On light microscope examination, these fibres may be distinguished from mature by their failure to stain with aldehyde fuchsin solutions, unless they have been oxidized by potassium permanganate, performic acid or peracetic acid.
Under electron microscopy they appear to be composed of units, 7–20 nm in diameter with a Periodic trends of 12–17 nm.
From their morphology, localization and staining properties it seems likely that these fibers are an immature form of elastic tissue.
They can be found on the surface of smooth muscles. They are largely associated with .
The oxytalan system's histological appearance is distinguished by fiber ramifications and anastomoses .
The periodontal membranes of all human teeth, as well as those of monkeys, rats, guinea pigs, and mice, contain oxytalan fibers.
It is also mentioned that a portion of oxytalan fibers support the lymphatic and blood vessels that lead to the teeth .In periodontal membranes of teeth under higher stress, as those used as bridge abutments, there is an increase in both the quantity and size of oxytalan fibers.
Previous research has shown that the steer, pig, sheep, and deer have higher proportions of elastic to Oxytalan fibers than the other animals under investigation.
The reaction of the periodontal ligament (PDL) to orthodontic and functional stresses is largely dependent on its biomechanical makeup. However, a number of studies suggest that oxytalan fibers—a subset of elastic fibers—also have a role in the PDL's biomechanical properties and behavior. Excessive dilatation of PDL capillaries has been reported in mgR mice, a type that exhibits significantly lower expression of FBN-1, according to one study. Blood vessel and oxytalan fiber formation occurring at the same time lends additional evidence to a functional link.
Oxytalan has been proposed to have a number of roles, including vascular system support and maintenance, vascular flow modulation, cell migration guidance, and a role in the mechanical characteristics of the periodontal ligament.
The observation of a close relationship between oxytalan fibers and blood vessels inside the PDL provides support for the theory that the oxytalan fiber network is in charge of maintaining and supporting the vascular system. These are hypothetical functions; none of them are supported by research, but they can all be investigated.
Rannie (1963) employed a monopersulfate compound (Oxone, E. L. DuPont De Nemours & Co., Inc., Wilmington, Delaware), with more recent work yielding more satisfying technical results. The easiest way to observe the fibers after the oxidation stage is to stain them with Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin; after preoxidation, some fibers will show up with orcein and resorcin fuchsin.(3,9) The oxytalan fiber is not visible when stained with either Verhoeffs ferric chloride hemtoxylin or Orcinol-new fuchsin following oxidation. Studies on histochemistry and morphology at light microscopy magnifications offer some support for theories about a possible relationship to elastic fibers. They also suggest that the oxytalan fiber belongs in the same category as elastic fibers and that it has multiple structural components.
The oxytalan fibers were observed under an electron microscope to be loose, endless, and composed of extremely fine fibrils, with an 11–12 nm diameter.
The oxytalan fibers were broken down by TEM, shattered in the interstitial tissue and detached from the basal lamina.
Large volumes of long, branching, smooth-surfaced interlaced oxytalan fiber meshwork were visible in the SEM.
Additionally, it is noted that because oxytalan fibers are made up of bundles of microfibrils without elastin, they are unable to elongate in response to mechanical stress.
Despite the fact that oxytalan is a significant elastic fiber, we still don't fully understand its purpose or the particular advantages it offers despite all of the research. We do know that they exist, which suggests that they are significant and that further research has to be done to identify the significance and important functions. However as of now, we know some characteristics from light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We also understand that oxytalan can be affected by chronic periodontitis, a very well known disease.
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