The use of stereological and electron microscopic techniques in the assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration success

Abstract

Morphological alterations in nerve tissue are commonly used as a hallmark in evaluating regeneration success in peripheral nerve studies. The use of stereological methods in the assessment of peripheral nerve and ganglion tissues eliminates the risk of observer-based bias. Moreover, the technique allows researchers to evaluate subtle ultrastructural changes using electron microscopic images. This chapter primarily aims to provide information on the application of commonly used stereological techniques for the assessment of peripheral nerve and ganglion tissues. The text mainly covers the usage of Cavalieri's technique in volume estimations, two-dimensional fractionator technique in evaluating myelinated/unmyelinated fiber numbers, and two-dimensional nucleator technique in calculating the axon area and myelin sheet thickness. In addition, the reader can find the stereological way of estimating the sensory neuron number using physical disector techniques and a description of the vertical rotator technique used in volume estimations of primary sensory neurons.