Age-related changes in human dermal elastic fibres

Abstract

Age-related changes in human dermal elastic fibres 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 fibres 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 micro-fibrils and amorphous material, and an increase in electron dense inclusions followed by the appearance of vesicular structure.