Ageing of the skin: study of elastic fiber network modifications by computerized image analysis

We quantitated the skin elastic fibers of the papillary and reticular dermis using specific staining procedure followed by automated computerized image analysis. Fifty skin biopsies of patients consulting for cardiovascular risk factors were studied. The following parameters were estimated: surface area (% of total surface), length, and number of fibers as a function of age. The evaluation of the skin elastic fiber system showed no significant trend with age in the number of elastic fibers per unit area in the superficial or deep dermis. We found, however, a continuous increase with age in the relative surface area, and the length of the elastic fiber system. These results can best be interpreted as a continuous apposition of elastic-type material to the preexisting fibers by skin fibroblasts. This material may well be of a different composition than young elastin, for instance enriched in structural glycoproteins (microfibrils), lipids and calcium as found in the elastic fibers of aorta and lung. Such quantitative modifications may explain the decrease in skin elasticity, and the continuous increase in stained fibers.