Application of the image analysis system and Imago program to biological samples.
Recent developments in computer systems and new stereological tools have made estimation of quantitative data in biological material simple, easy and fast. The purpose of the present study is to show the advantages and disadvantages of a new program developed by the University of Córdoba for the determination of stereological measurements. As an example, endometrial material was used for demonstrating the technical characteristics. Thus, the nuclear area and volume-weighted mean nuclear volume-Vv(nucl)-of 30 routinely processed, paraffin-embedded endometrial specimens from 12 atypical hyperplasias (AH) and 18 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas (WDA) were investigated. We show the excellent visualization of the material and rapid measurement of these quantitative parameters using the Imago program. In addition, the mean values of Vv(nucl) are more efficient and useful in separating AH and WDA than the mean nuclear area. It is concluded that Vv(nucl) is a superior and sensitive estimator for discrimination.
Artacho-Pérula
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Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Córdoba, Spain.
Roldán-Villalobos
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R
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus; D048429:Cell Size; D003199:Computer Systems; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology*; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software