A system for the reconstruction and analysis of dendritic fields.
We report here the development of a fast and 'user friendly' Semiautomatic Neuron Reconstruction and Analysis System (SANRAS) based on a Zeiss Universal microscope, Kontron Microscope Control Processor (MCP), and Apple Macintosh SE microcomputer. Four programs for digitisation and analysis have been written; STAGE, CONVERTZ, RECON and SHOLL. Cells are digitised by superimposing ocular crosshairs on a dendrite and tracing directly, the stage position in x, y, and z co-ordinates being recorded by the computer at points indicated by a keypress. Cells can be digitised from serial thick sections and dendritic reconstructions can be visualised on screen, rotated and viewed from any angle. Output is given either to a Hewlett Packard colour plotter or to a laser printer, in graphical form, and as a summary of various metrical and topological parameters. Radial Scholl diagrams of dendritic trees may also be produced. Dendritic branching patterns of Golgi-impregnated neurons of the left and right intermediate medial hyperstriatum ventrale of the chick are described.
Department of Biology, Open University, Milton Keynes, U.K.
M
M
Lowndes
D
D
Stanford
M G
MG
Stewart
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology*; D002452:Cell Count; D002645:Chickens; D003712:Dendrites / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012834:Silver; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D012834:Silver