Disulphide reaction staining for the identification of integumental elastic fibres

Based on specific methods (Sippel-APM-chromotropic acid technique; IC3-PE-maleimide fluorescence reaction) and skin samples of four domesticated mammals (dog, cattle, horse, pig), disulphide groups were demonstrated in the elastic component of the basement membrane of the epidermis, the elastic fibre system of the dermis, the elastic components of the connective tissue sheath of hair follicles, apocrine tubular glands, and sebaceous glands, and of the connective tissue surrounding the cutaneous muscle. The results are discussed regarding the relation of this reaction staining to the presence of microfibrils (fibrillin) in the elastic fibres.