Morphometric synaptology of a whole neuron profile using a semiautomatic interactive computer system
Open Access
- 1 July 1983
- Vol. 4 (1) , 20-30
- https://doi.org/10.1002/cyto.990040104
Abstract
We propose a new method of dealing with morphometric synaptology that processes all synapses and boutons around the HRP marked neuron on a large composite electron micrograph, rather than a qualitative or a piecemeal quantitative study of a particular synapse and/or bouton that is not positioned on the surface of the neuron. This approach requires the development of both neuroanatomical procedures, by which a specific whole neuronal profile is identified, and valuable specialized tools, which support the collection and analysis of a great volume of morphometric data from composite electron micrographs, in order to reduce the burden of the morphologist. The present report is also concerned with the total and reliable semi-automatic interactive computer system for gathering and analyzing morphometric data that has been under development in our laboratory. A morphologist performs the pattern recognition portion by using a large-sized tablet digitizer and a menu-sheet command, and the system registers the various morphometric values of many different neurons and performs statistical analysis. Some examples of morphometric measurements and analysis show the usefulness and efficiency of the proposed system and method.Keywords
This publication has 19 references indexed in Scilit:
- Architecture and synaptic relationships in the intermediolateral nucleus of the thoracic spinal cord of the rat: HRP labelling, catecholamine histochemistry and electron microscopic studiesJournal of Neurocytology, 1981
- Three-Dimensional Computer Reconstruction of Neurons and Neuronal AssembliesAnnual Review of Biophysics and Bioengineering, 1979
- Electron microscopic studies of serially sectioned cat spinal α‐motoneurons. II. A method for the description of architecture and synaptology of the cell body and proximal dendritic segmentsJournal of Comparative Neurology, 1979
- A computer system for the measurement of cell and nuclear sizes*Journal of Microscopy, 1973
- Some aspects of the morphology of Betz cells in the cerebral cortex of the catBrain Research, 1972
- Studies on the development of the chick optic tectum. III. Effects of early eye removalBrain Research, 1972
- Ultrastructural studies on the synaptology of the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the cat: I. Observations on the cell surface of the oostganglionic perikaryaJournal of Ultrastructure Research, 1971
- Synaptic patterns on different cell types in the different laminae of the cat visual cortex. An electron microscope studyBrain Research, 1968
- Three-dimensional studies of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the ratJournal of Ultrastructure Research, 1966
- A Semi-Automatic Computer-Microscope for the Analysis of Neuronal MorphologyIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 1965