Elastin in the Human Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Spinal Dura A Histologic and Biochemical Study

Abstract

The elastic fibers in the posterior longitudinal ligament generally were arranged parallel in the cephalocaudal direction, whereas the fibers in the spinal dura had a more multidirectional arrangement. The elastin content of the posterior longitudinal ligament averaged 7.3% of the total dry weight and that of the spinal dura was 7.1% for the ventral aspect and 13.8% for the dorsal aspect. The elastin content of the spinal dura was about two times higher in all dorsal specimens than in the corresponding ventral specimens. The elastin content of the lower thoracic region was higher than that of any other region. The amino acid composition of the elastin in the posterior longitudinal ligament and spinal dura was similar to that previously determined in other spinal ligaments.