title: [Age-related changes in peripheral nerves].
abstract: Semi-thin sections of the sural nerve from 200 autopsy specimens taken from individuals of both sexes, ages 10 to 91 were morphologically examined. Thickness of the endoneurial capillary walls, and of the perineurium, number of endoneurial capillaries, myelinated fiber density and distribution of myelinated fibers were determined. An additional ultrastructural examination of selected nerves with characteristic values was performed. The analysis revealed a statistically significant age dependence for the investigated features. Increasing age was associated with decreased myelinated fiber density and decreased number of endoneurial capillaries. There was an age dependent increase in the thickness of capillary walls and the perineurium as well as increasing loss of large myelinated fibers. The findings were discussed and compared with similar results from the literature. Age related changes in peripheral nerves have to be interpreted as the result of the cumulative, life-long effect of various pathogenic factors, modified by genetic determinants and by a gradual decrease in regenerative capacity.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001344:Autopsy; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002196:Capillaries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000098:blood supply / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply
vernacular_title: Zur Problematik von Alternsveränderungen an peripheren Nerven.