On sampling and sampling errors in histomorphometry of peripheral nerve fibers.
Histomorphometrical assessment of regenerated peripheral nerves is a very common goal of many studies in experimental microsurgery. In this paper, the main critical issues in nerve fiber sampling for quantitative morphological assessment are addressed. The equal opportunity rule, i.e., the basic paradigm of random sampling, is described, together with an explanation of how sampling errors, in the selection of histologic fields and of the nerve fibers inside them, can produce a bias in quantitative estimates. Finally, some practical suggestions on how to cope with the most common sampling errors are provided, in order to help researchers obtain reliable histomorphometrical data on peripheral nerve fibers.
Geuna
Stefano
S
Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy. stefano.geuna@unito.it
Gigo-Benato
Davilene
D
Rodrigues
Antonio de Castro
Ade C
D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*