Oxytalan fibres in the periodontal ligament of equine molar cheek teeth

The distribution and arrangement of oxytalan fibres were examined in periodontal specimens of cheek teeth from seven horses. Oxidation prior to aldehyde fuchsin exposition permitted a selective staining of the oxytalan fibres, which are a distinct component of the elastic fibre system. On three horizontal levels of the periodontium--(a) subgingival, (b) middle third and (c) apical--two oxytalan fibre groups were shown histologically: 'blood vessel-related' and 'independent' oxytalan fibres. In levels a and b, both groups were arranged in a typical occluso-apical alignment along the reserve crown. Single oxytalan fibres deviated from their general course in order to attach to the cementum. In these cemental entheses the oxytalan fibres ran parallel to collagen fibre bundles. The interpretation of such morphological features emphasized the oxytalan fibres' capacity to improve the stability of periodontal blood vessel walls during masticatory movements. Level c, especially in regions next to the persisting epithelial root sheath, is the site of oxytalan fibre generation. This is a prerequisite for the facilitation of periodontal regeneration and reorganization during dental growth and eruption.