Elaunin (Greek verb ἐλαύνω "I steer") is a component of elastic fibers formed from deposition ofelastin betweenoxytalan fibers. It is found in theperiodontal ligament and theconnective tissue of thedermis, particularly in association withsweat glands.[1]
“The elastic system of normal human skin was studied by light and electron microscopy. By light microscopy, three different types of fibers were observed: oxytalan, elaunin, and elastic. The most superficial ones (oxytalan fibers) are very thin and directed perpendicularly to the dermoepidermal junction. They start from a plexus with the tinctorial characteristics of elaunin fibers, which are connected with the thicker elastic fibers of the reticular dermis. At the electron microscopic level, the oxytalan fibers are formed by bundles of tubular microfibrils 10 to 12 nm in diameter. In the deepest layers of the dermis, an amorphous material is seen in the core of these bundles. In the elaunin fibers, the amorphous material is sparse, while in the elastic fibers, it is abundant and compact."[2]
Unlike Oxytalan fibres, elaunin fibresstain withorcein,aldehyde fuchsin and resorcin fuchsin without prioroxidation.
Elaunin fibers have been found within the secretory coil of human eccrine sweat glands. They were found in bundles of microtubules which had a different constancy than elastic fibers. The elaunin fibers found in the secretory coil had a less thick appearance than that of elastic fibers.[3]
Elaunin can be identified where the fibers of the gingival ligament are.
There are elastic fibers, and one of the main types of elastic fibers is elaunin.
In the papillary dermis, elaunin is lost when in reduction.
