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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS
Published on: January 7, 2016
Morphologic Changes in the Dermis After the Single Administration of Autologous Fibroblastic Cells: A Preliminary
B Machaliński1, A Brodkiewicz2, K Szumilas1
1Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
Background:
Aging is a multifactorial process defined by an accumulation of damage in all tissues and organs, including the skin, throughout the lifespan of an individual. The reduction of both cellular and extracellular matrix components of the dermis during the aging process is followed by the alteration of the morphology of the skin tissue. This study was conducted to assess skin morphology in men before and 3 months after the intradermal injection of autologous fibroblastic cells.
Methods:
Tissue biopsies were surgically obtained before and 3 months after the treatment with autogenously harvested fibroblasts expanded in vitro, as well as after injection of phosphate-buffered saline. The thickness of collagen fiber bundles and number of fibroblasts in the dermis were analyzed in morphometric studies. The morphologic evaluation, using different methods of staining has been performed to analyze of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and reticular fibers, fibrillin-1-rich microfibrils, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid.
Results:
After administration of the cells, we found a noticeable increase in the number of fibroblasts within the dermis, a significant enlargement in diameter of the collagen fiber bundles, and an improvement in the density of reticular fibers, fibrillin-1-rich microfibrils, and elastic fibers compared with the initial, steady-state condition.
Conclusions:
The administration of autogenous fibroblasts could be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy to conventional health care treatment to prevent and reduce the age-related accumulation of dermal tissue damage.
Insights
Intradermal injection of autologous fibroblasts significantly improved skin morphology in men. This regenerative therapy increased fibroblast numbers and enhanced dermal extracellular matrix components, suggesting a potential treatment for age-related skin damage.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Aesthetics
Background:
- Aging leads to dermal tissue damage, reducing cellular and extracellular matrix components, altering skin morphology.
- Skin aging is characterized by decreased fibroblast populations and degradation of collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of intradermal autologous fibroblast injections on skin morphology in men.
- To assess changes in dermal structure and extracellular matrix composition post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Surgical tissue biopsies were obtained before and 3 months after intradermal injection of autologous fibroblasts or phosphate-buffered saline.
- Morphometric analysis quantified collagen fiber bundle thickness and fibroblast density.
- Histological staining evaluated extracellular matrix proteins like collagen, reticular fibers, fibrillin-1, and elastic fibers.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in dermal fibroblast numbers was observed post-treatment.
- Collagen fiber bundles showed increased diameter, and the density of reticular fibers, microfibrils, and elastic fibers improved.
- These findings indicate enhanced dermal structure and extracellular matrix regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Autologous fibroblast administration is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for age-related dermal damage.
- This regenerative approach can prevent and reduce the accumulation of damage in aging skin.
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