Ultrastructural studies of human gingiva. V. Microfibrils of elastic nature and their direct penetration of the basal lamina in chronic periodontitis.

In this study, microfibrils widely distributed in the connective tissue of the gingival wall of periodontal pockets were examined by electron microscopy, Theirdistribution, ultrastructural characteristics, close association with fibroblasts and direct communication with the basal lamina were shown. The microfibrils in our specimens were observed in three different groupings (Types A, B, and C). They were believedto represent different stages of maturation of elastic fibera. There was a striking ultrastructural resemblance between oxytalan microfibrils, and the immature or imcompletetype of elastic fiber shown in this report.