Ultrastructure of deep wrinkles in the elderly

Deep wrinkles of 6 elderly people were investigated using electron microscopy. There were ultrastructural differences in the elastotic changes between the area of the wrinkle and the surrounding areas. Elastic fibers containing electron-dense inclusions were mostly seen in the upper dermis of the wrinkled area and were considered to be an early event of the elastotic changes. The elastotic changes showing net-like structures were seen in the areas surrounding the wrinkle and were considered to be a more advanced event. Another form of elastotic change was the presence of thickened elastic fibers with many holes containing round bodies, which were scattered in the deep dermis of the wrinkled area, and increased and packed in the middle and deep dermis of the surrounding areas. In one case subepidermal amyloid deposits were seen in the areas surrounding the wrinkle, suggesting a close relationship between amyloid and sun-light exposure.