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Techniques for digital histological morphometry of the pineal gland
Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban1, Horaţiu Alexandru Colosi2, Ioana-Andreea Gheban-Roșca2
1Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dept. of Anatomic Pathology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Emergency Clinical County Hospital Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Acta Histochemica
|April 25, 2022
Summary
Digital morphometry techniques using novel software like MorphoRGB are effective for analyzing small organs such as the human pineal gland. These methods offer accurate quantification of immunohistochemical stains, showing potential for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Digital Pathology
Background:
- The pineal gland is a small, crucial photo-neuro-endocrine organ.
- Assessing its histological characteristics is vital for understanding its function.
- Traditional methods can be labor-intensive and subjective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of digital morphometry techniques for analyzing human post-mortem pineal glands.
- To compare the performance of novel software (MorphoRGB) against existing tools (ImageJ, CaseViewer).
- To assess the accuracy and user-friendliness of digital analysis for immunohistochemical staining quantification.
Main Methods:
- An experimental non-inferiority study involving 72 human post-mortem pineal glands.
- Immunohistochemical staining for GFAP, SYN, NSE, and NF.
- Digital scanning of slides and morphometric data acquisition using CaseViewer, ImageJ, and MorphoRGB.
Main Results:
- Strong, statistically significant correlations were found between image analysis software.
- Bland-Altman diagrams confirmed consistency in mean percentage and intensity measurements for GFAP, NSE, NF, and SYN.
- MorphoRGB demonstrated slightly higher accuracy and user-friendliness compared to ImageJ for specific measurements.
Conclusions:
- Digital morphometry using Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) is feasible and effective for small organs like the pineal gland.
- MorphoRGB is a viable, non-inferior tool for histological morphometry and quantifying immunohistochemical stains.
- These techniques hold potential value for clinical practice, research, and analysis of other small endocrine organs.
