Cited by 272Point processes and geometric inequalitiesCell Image Analysis TechniquesCensus and Population Estimation

Recommendations for straightforward and rigorous methods of counting neurons based on a computer simulation approach

Schmitz, Christoph, Hof, Patrick R·2000·Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy

Abstract

Any investigation of the total number of neurons in a given brain region must first address the following questions. What is the best method for estimating the total number of neurons? What are the validity and the expected precision of the obtained data? What precision must the estimates attain with respect to the scientific question? In the present study, these questions were addressed using a computer simulation. Virtual brain regions with various spatial distributions of virtual neurons were modeled. The total numbers of virtual neurons in the modeled brain regions were repeatedly estimated by simulation of modern design-based stereology, either by using the 'fractionator' method or by the established method based on the product of estimated neuron density and estimated volume of the reference space. We show that estimates of total numbers of neurons obtained using the fractionator are from a statistical and economical standpoint more efficient than corresponding estimates obtained using the density/volume procedure. Furthermore, the use of two simple prediction methods (one for homogeneous and the other for clustered neuron distributions) permits satisfactory predictions about the variation of presumably any estimates of total numbers of neurons obtained using the fractionator. Finally, we show that assessing the reliability of estimates of mean total neuronal numbers using the ratio between the mean of the squared coefficients of error of the estimates and the squared coefficient of variation of the estimated total neuronal numbers, a frequently employed method in stereological studies, is neither useful nor informative. The present results may constitute a new set of recommendations for the rigorous usage of design-based stereology. In particular, we strongly recommend counting considerably more neurons than is currently done in the literature when estimating total neuronal numbers using design-based stereology.

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Crossref · 10.1016/s0891-0618(00)00066-1

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Authors
Schmitz, C., & Hof, P. R.
Affiliations
  • RWTH Aachen University (DE)
  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (US)
Corresponding author
Schmitz, Christoph
Venue
Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2000-10
Volume
20
Issue
1
Pages
93-114
ISSN
0891-0618 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2168092251
Cited by
272
References
53
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 16
FWCI
23.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute on Aging (AG-02219, AG 05138, P50AG005138, P01AG002219)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (MH-58911, P50MH058911)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Applied Mathematics › Point processes and geometric inequalities
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biophysics › Cell Image Analysis Techniques
  • Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Census and Population Estimation
Keywords
neuron counting, design-based stereology, neuronal density, coefficient of variation, estimation precision
MeSH terms
Algorithms, Brain, Cell Count, Computer Simulation, Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted, Models, Neurological, Terminology as Topic, Random Allocation

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