Experimental elastosis induced by chronic ultraviolet exposure. Light- and electron-microscopic study.

The effect of long-term ultraviolet irradiation on the connective tissue of the skin was investigated in 25 naked (Ng/-) mice which received a total daily radiant dose of 40 +/- 2 J/cm2 for a period of 8.5 months. The produced alterations were very similar to those found in actinic elastosis of humans, as assessed by histologic and electron-microscopic criteria.