Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
6. Stereology
Software Options
Multiple stereological software packages are listed in Table 2 .
Amira (Visage Imaging, Carlsbad, CA) distinguishes itself with
3-dimensional rendering capabilities for neural networks, facial
reconstruction, or neuromuscular junction imaging. The Bioquant
stereology plug-in for the Life Science software suite (Bioquant,
Nashville, TN) provides the basic optical fractionator for cell
counting and / or Cavaleri methodology for estimating volumes.
The Life Science software provides many built-in neuroscience
applications including density analysis of immunohistochemical
staining, quantifying density of labeled mRNA, or measuring cortical
thickness. Mercator (Explora Nova, France) is a multifunctional
software package with a stereology module and may be used for 3D
reconstruction to determine density of labeled density of a radio-
isotope of an mRNA probe.
The AutoDisector and NewCast (Visiopharm, New York &
Denmark) are designed to work together using the physical dissec-
tor for the adjacent matched sections and the Proportionator,
based on the smooth fractionator sampling method, reportedly
increases sampling effi ciency ( 11 ). Stereo Investigator and The
Stereologer software provide many of the same basic stereological
probes for counting. The differences between Stereo Investigator
and The Stereologer software has to do with the additional options
available from Stereo Investigator, including: the Workfl ows, the
ability to control motorized microscopes, integration and extension
modules for analyzing 3D image stacks, MRI image analysis, virtual
slice image rendering, and integration of multichannel fl uorescence
with spinning disk and laser scanning confocal microscopes. Stereo
Investigator also provides an optional 3D Solid Modeling module.
Table 2
Stereology software
Product
Company
Web site
Bioquant Stereology Toolkit
Bioquant
http://www.bioquant.com
Mercator
Explora Nova
http://www.exploranova.com
NewCast & AutoDisector
Visiopharm
http://www.visiopharm.com
Stereo Investigator
MBF Bioscience
http://www.mbfbioscience.com
The Stereologer
Stereology Resource Center
http://www.disector.com
 
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