Quantification of surviving neurons after contusion, dislocation, and distraction spinal cord injuries using automated methods

• DOI: 10.1177/1179069519869617
• Publication Date: 2019-08-20T05:53:46Z
• Authors: Jingchao Wang; Meiyan Zhang; Yue Guo; Hai Hu; Kinon Chen
• Keywords: NeuN; Nissl body; Microtome

This study proposes and validates an automated method for counting neurons in spinal cord injury (SCI) then uses it to examine compare the surviving cells common types of SCI mechanisms. Moderate contusion, dislocation, distraction SCIs were surgically induced Sprague Dawley male rats (n = 6 each type injury). Their cords harvested 8 weeks post with 5 normal weight-matched rats. The cut, stained anti-NeuN antibody fluorescent Nissl, imaged dorsal ventral horns at various distances epicenter. Neurons images automatically counted using algorithm that was designed filter non-soma-like objects based on morphological characteristics (size, solidity, circular pattern) check remaining double-stained nucleus/cell body features (brightness variation, brightness distribution, color). To validate method, some randomly selected manual counting. number measured by found be correlated values manually 2 observers (P < .001) similar differences > .05). reduced after Dislocation distraction, respectively, caused most severe damage horn especially near epicenter extensive uniform Our proved reliable, which is suitable studying different SCI.