The literature reports that ligaments consist of connective tissue, composed by water, Type I and III collagen, several proteoglycans, some elastin and other substances. Ligaments tested in vitro with longitudinal and unidirectional tension exhibit non-linear mechanical behavior; the collagen fibers are stretched little by little, losing their undulating pattern, until reaching the maximum limit of traction and failure begins. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of elastin in the medial collateral ligament of the elbow in adult dogs to determine whether the stretching of this ligament is due to the presence of elastic fibers, the elastic property of the collagen or the combination of both. Four joints were used from males and females in equal proportion, taking the medial collateral ligaments for the histological examination. To detect the presence of elastic fibers, sections were stained using the Weigert method. However, light microscopy revealed no elastic fibers. It was concluded that the elasticity of the canine elbow medial collateral ligament is mainly due to the undulated pattern of the collagen fibers, considering the trace amount or inexistence of elastic fibers in this structure.
canine elbow; medial collateral ligament; elastin; collagen fiber
