Unbiased
stereology has been considered by modern neuroscientists as the preferred method to measure or quantify neuronal morphology of the CNS. This is particularly important in identification
of subtle yet important alterations in the morphology of the CNS based on
disturbances during development or in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative
diseases.
The core
focus of NDT501 service is designed for accurate measurements of neuronal
elements (including size, shape and number) obtained in an unbiased way by
implementation of proven software packages and algorithms that include standard
geometric overlays, mathematical formulae, counting rules, and systematic
random sampling methods. Using this method,
the obtained results will be accurate, efficient and more reliable than other
ad hoc quantitative analyses.
With
computerized systematic random-sampling layout and stabilized stage control of spatial (x-y-z) coordinates on every serial section of Region of Interest (ROIs) via Zeiss digital microscopic platform, we are able to quantify properties
of 3D objects from a stack of 2D serial sections through an object (such as
microscopic slides of a solid specimen). Our clients will expect to receive most accurate and reliable morphometric
results, namely, a “3D” spatial digital profile of ROIs with a
series of digitized data, ready for subsequent digital archiving and data/quality
assurance.
NDT501 service is capable of measuring brain volume and cell population estimate based on the principle of stereology:
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I. 3D volumetric measurement of hippocampus |
II. Estimation of cell populations / cell counts |
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3D volumetric analysis of mouse hippocampal subfields | |
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3D distribution of BrdU+ cells in mouse dentate gyrus (*Cross-lines between dentate gyri were automatically generated by the software for maintaining stabilization of spatial coordinates)
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Based on the principles of the modern stereology, NDT501 service is used to systematically quantify neuron morphology, including dendritic analysis and spine counts/density along the anterior-to-posterior axis of Region of Interest (ROI) of the CNS.
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III. Dendrograms |
IV. Spine counts distribution |
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Left: 3D reconstruction of CA1 pyramidal cells of mouse brain. Right: Dendrograms of basal (red) and apical (blue) dendrites of pyramidal cells. Bottom: Total lengths of apical and basal dendritic branches. |
Left: Golgi-impregnated dentate gyrus & hilus (10x). Right: Representative image of spine counts (red dots) of a dendritic segment. Bottm: Comparison of spine density (spine # / um3) between transgenic and wildtype mice |