Lipofuscin pigment accumulation in human brain during aging

Abstract

Histopathologic and autofluorescence investigations were carried out to study lipofuscin pigment accumulation in various age groups of human beings died in accidents (in 100 cases ranging from 1-70 years-of-age). Lipofuscin pigment granules were first observed to appear at 9 years of age. Qualitative studies revealed a progressive increase in the intracellular lipofuscin pigment accumulation with advancing age. These pigment granules were found to congregate in mass in nerve cells of old individuals. An increase in the lipofuscin pigment accumulation and decrease of Nissl substance was observed during aging. The percentage of pigmented nerve cells and the percentage of cytoplasmic area occupied by lipofuscin pigment granules increased significantly with the advancement of age.