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Related Experiment Videos

The normal human optic nerve. Axon count and axon diameter distribution.

F S Mikelberg1, S M Drance, M Schulzer

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

This study determined normal human optic nerve axon counts and diameters using computerized image analysis. Findings establish a baseline for future research into optic nerve pathologies and age-related changes.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • The human optic nerve's structure and cellular composition are crucial for visual function.
  • Establishing normative data for optic nerve axons is essential for diagnosing and monitoring diseases like glaucoma.
  • Previous studies have varied in methodologies, necessitating updated baseline data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the normal axonal count and axon diameter distribution in human optic nerves.
  • To investigate potential correlations between axonal parameters and demographic factors (age, fixation time).
  • To identify regional variations in fiber density and diameter within the optic nerve.

Main Methods:

  • Computerized image analysis of 12 normal human optic nerve samples.

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  • Quantitative assessment of axonal count and diameter.
  • Statistical analysis including multiple linear regression to identify significant relationships.

    • Main Results:

    • Mean axonal count per nerve was 969,279 ± 239,740; mean axon diameter was 0.72 ± 0.07 microns.
    • A trend suggested an annual loss of approximately 4909 axons (P = 0.08).
    • The inferotemporal sector showed the highest fiber density (P = 0.02), while the superonasal sector had larger mean diameters (P = 0.02).

    Conclusions:

    • This study provides critical normative data for human optic nerve axonal count and diameter.
    • No significant relationship was found between axon diameter and age or fixation time.
    • Regional differences in the optic nerve's structure were identified, with implications for understanding nerve fiber organization.