[What remains of the skin after 2000 years in a bog?].
OBJECTIVE
Mummies have an important place in the study of archaeology and paleopathology because they are so well preserved. For the first time skin samples of six 2300-1600 year old bog bodies from North Germany were examined by histology, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistology.


METHODS
For histology the samples were stained with H&E and van Gieson elastic stain. Fixation and embedding in epoxy followed for the transmission electron microscopy. Specific antibodies directed to type IV collagen and S-100 were used.


RESULTS
Histologically it was possible to observe collagen bundles in the dermis, with a density similar to recently stained samples. Epidermis was not preserved. The electron microscopy showed collagen fibrils with a diameter of 45-110 nm and the characteristic axial periodicity. Throughout the dermis, a number of spores of bacteria with a diameter of 0.83 +/- 0.051 micron and an electron dense core were found. No activity against the used antibodies could be detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Histology and electron microscopy demonstrate the excellent conservation of the dermal collagen in the bog. In contrast to ice mummies like "Otzi" and mummies from Egypt, no cellular elements could be found in the skin of bog bodies.
Stücker
M
M
Dermatologische Klinik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791 Bochum.
Bechara
F G
FG
Bacharach-Buhles
M
M
Pieper
P
P
Altmeyer
P
P
D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009106:Mummies / Q000473:pathology*; D010164:Paleopathology; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
D009418:S100 Proteins; D003094:Collagen