Automatic image analysis as a valuable aid for the objective assessment of the enlargement of hepatocytes in toxicological studies.
Evaluation of histopathological slides is a subjective science; objectivity is needed, especially with minimal alterations. Quantitation using measurement procedures is of special value in toxicological studies. The present study tests a method in which the hepatocytic nuclei were measured per area of liver tissue, excluding the sinusoidal space. Different grades of hepatocellular enlargement were induced by different dose levels of a test compound (combination of two diuretics). The method demonstrates the well-established dose dependence of liver cell enlargement and permits differentiation between slight drug-induced enlargement and the normal variation in cell size. Special reference is made to avoid measurement artefacts.
Bader
R
R
Experimental Pathology, Boehringer Mannheim GmbH, FRG.
Lexa
P
P
Rebel
W
W
Bode
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000633:toxicity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012737:Sex Factors
D004232:Diuretics