A semi-automated system for quantitative densitometry of autoradiographs

We describe a semi-automatic, computerized method of quantitative densitometry for regional analysis of whole brain autoradiographs. The technique features menu-driven software and verbal prompting for data via a speech synthesizer. Advantages over manual methods include an 80% reduction in the time required for data collection, easy retrieval and statistical analysis of data, and the production of a large data base for future use. The application of this system to the [14C]2-deoxy-D-glucose autoradiographic method for measurement of local cerebral glucose utilization is described. This system makes available computerized densitometry at a modest cost.