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

Proteomics, Multi-Omics and Systems Biology in Optic Nerve Regeneration, Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya, Editör, Elsevier, Florida, ss.291-298, 2025

The origin of stereological thinking is derived from the German scientist Hans Elias (1907e85), who lived in the

early 20th century (Hildebrandt, 2012). The scientist, who pioneered the establishment of the “International Society

for Stereology” in the following years, emphasized the obstacles of the three-dimensional interpretation of microscopic

sections by revealing stereograms showing the real architecture of some organs (Elias, 1967, 1971). Since those

years, many studies have been carried out by obtaining 3D data from the 2D views of the structures by the use of

stereological techniques (Bolender, 1981; Brown, 2017; Glaser & Glaser, 2000; Schmitz & Hof, 2005). The volume,

area, length, and point assessments of structures can be performed via convenient and simple test systems (e.g.,

sets of points, lines, or planes) for 3D analysis (Gundersen et al., 1988). The test system should be preferred according

to the size of the parameter of interest (e.g., volume or surface area, or length). The use of point test systems (0-

dimensional) for volumetric estimations, line for area measurement (one-dimensional), 2D plane for surface area

estimation, and finally, 3D test systems for particle counting will be appropriate (Fig. 21.1).

Stereology is often used in nerve regeneration studies to evaluate the effectiveness of methods used to regenerate

and heal injured nerves (Brown et al., 2020; Delibas et al., 2021).With the use of stereological methods, it is possible to

obtain quantitative data such as the number of regenerated axons, axon diameter, myelin sheath thickness, and the

ratio of axon diameter to myelin sheath thickness (Barghash et al., 2013; Brown et al., 2020; Hunter et al., 2020). In

addition, it is possible to make various measurements in ganglion tissues where the cell bodies of injured nerves are

located (Hausdorf et al., 2008; Muratori et al., 2015; Noorafshan et al., 2011). Evaluation of the total ganglion volume,

estimating the number, diameter, and volume of sensory neurons, is possible using stereological methods. This chapter

focuses on the application of stereological techniques in evaluating the success of peripheral nerve regeneration.