Age-related changes in human dermal elastic fibres

Abstract

Age-related changes in the human dermal elastic fibers were studied by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The SEM findings showed an increase in the complexity of shape and arrangement of the fibers including flattening and branching, an increase in the roughness of the surface and a decrease in interfibrillar areas. The TEM findings showed a decrease in microfibrils and amorphous material, and an increase in electron dense inclusions followed by the appearance of vesicular structure.