BACKGROUND AND 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.
BACKGROUND AND 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.
Authors: Byung Soo Chang; Chang Sub Uhm; Chang Hyun Park; Han Kyeom Kim; Gui Young Lee; Han Hee Cho; Myeung Ju Kim; Yoon Hee Chung; Kang Won Song; Do Sun Lim; Dong Hoon Shin Journal: J Anat Date: 2006-11 Impact factor: 2.610
Authors: Jan M Pestka; Florian Barvencik; Frank T Beil; Robert P Marshall; Eilin Jopp; Arndt F Schilling; Andreas Bauerochse; Mamoun Fansa; Klaus Püschel; Michael Amling Journal: Naturwissenschaften Date: 2010-02-25