title: Morphometric evaluation of the spermatogonial stem cell distribution and niche in vertebrates.
abstract: Morphometry is a classical quantitative method often used in biology to provide a data basis for functional interpretations/interactions of a particular organ or system. Herein we took advantage of this valuable approach to evaluate the spermatogonial stem cell niche using the horse testis and immunocytochemical localization of GFRA1 [glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor produced by Sertoli cells)] as an example. Using the NIH ImageJ free software, we describe in detail all the necessary steps to investigate this specific and crucial microenvironment. Based on several recently published papers from our research group, this approach has proved to be fast, simple, and adaptable to a wide range of species and has the potential to be easily reproducible in different laboratories.
authors: Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
authors: Paulo Henrique Almeida
authors: PH
authors: Campos-Junior
authors: Guilherme Mattos Jardim
authors: GM
authors: Costa
authors: Gleide Fernandes
authors: GF
authors: de Avelar
authors: Tânia Mara
authors: TM
authors: Segatelli
authors: Samyra Maria Santos Nassif
authors: SM
authors: Lacerda
authors: Pedro Manuel
authors: PM
authors: Aponte
authors: Luiz Renato
authors: LR
authors: de França
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D051097:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D006736:Horses; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000166:cytology; D012984:Software; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D055153:Stem Cell Niche
chemical_list: D051097:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors