Stereology of the dorsal root ganglion in peripheral nerve studies

Abstract

Qualitative histopathology has long been the gold standard for evaluating morphological tissue changes in all organ systems, including the peripheral and central nervous systems. However, it is not fully capable of quantitatively revealing changes in tissue volume, neuron size, neuron numbers, neuron diameter, or nerve fiber numbers. Unbiased and sensitive techniques representing the entire tissue are therefore needed. Design-based stereological techniques are a means of eliciting information about the three-dimensional structure of tissue based on two-dimensional structures. The use of stereological techniques in experimental models of dorsal root ganglion tissue requires a knowledge of stereological principles, as well as of the tissue's anatomy and histology. The application of correct stereological techniques using appropriate sampling methods is important in terms of achieving the closest approximation to the real values, and it is essential that a pilot study be performed before each stereological study. This chapter discusses the examination of dorsal root ganglion tissue using practical stereological techniques, as well as the evaluation of sensory neuron numbers, sensory neuron volume, and total tissue volume parameters.