[Restitutio ad integrum of the mechanical properties of rat skin following repeated stretching. Effect of maturation and aging].

The influence of maturation and aging on mechanical parameters was studied in rat skin by in vitro and in vivo methods. Parameters indicating strength increased during maturation to a high degree and decreased to a lower degree during aging. Parameters indicating viscosity decreased during the maturation and aging period. Complete restitution after repeated extension was even better in old animals than in young animals.