Dataset Information

QuPath Automated Analysis of Optic Nerve Degeneration in Brown Norway Rats.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

A novel application of QuPath open-source digital analysis software is used to provide in-depth morphological analysis of progressive optic nerve (ON) degeneration in rats.

Methods

QuPath software was adapted to assess axon and gliotic morphology in toluidine blue-stained, Brown Norway rat ON light micrographs. QuPath axon numbers, density, size distributions, and gliotic areas were obtained from test images and ON cross-sections separated by damage grade. QuPath results were compared with manual counting, AxonJ, and electron microscopy axon estimates.

Results

QuPath-derived axon number, density, and diameter decreased with increasing ON damage. Axon density negatively correlated with gliotic areas in test images (R ² = 0.759; P < 0.0001; N = 40) and in ON cross-sections (R ² = 0.803; P < 0.0004; N = 10). Although axon losses occurred across most axon diameters, large axons were more susceptible to degeneration. The exception was swollen axons > 2 µm, which increased in moderately but not severely damaged images. QuPath axon counts correlated strongly with manual counts of test images (R ² = 0.956; P < 0.0001). QuPath outperformed AxonJ on test images and total ON axon counts. Compared to electron microscopy analysis, QuPath undercounted ON axons; however, correlation between the methods was robust (R ² = 0.797; P < 0.001; N = 10).

Conclusions

QuPath analysis reliably identified axon loss, axon morphology changes, and gliotic expansion that occurred in degenerating ONs.

Translational relevance

QuPath is a valuable tool for rapid, automated, analysis of healthy and degenerating ONs. Reproducible preclinical studies for new glaucoma treatments depend on unbiased in-depth analysis of ON pathology. This was provided by the QuPath approach.

SUBMITTER: Mysona BA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7353320 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

QuPath Automated Analysis of Optic Nerve Degeneration in Brown Norway Rats.

Mysona Barbara A BA Segar Sharmila S Hernandez Cecilia C Kim Christian C Zhao Jing J Mysona David D Bollinger Kathryn E KE

Translational vision science & technology 20200218 3

<h4>Purpose</h4>A novel application of QuPath open-source digital analysis software is used to provide in-depth morphological analysis of progressive optic nerve (ON) degeneration in rats.<h4>Methods</h4>QuPath software was adapted to assess axon and gliotic morphology in toluidine blue-stained, Brown Norway rat ON light micrographs. QuPath axon numbers, density, size distributions, and gliotic areas were obtained from test images and ON cross-sections separated by damage grade. QuPath results w ...[more]

PMID: 32714648

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Dataset Information

QuPath Automated Analysis of Optic Nerve Degeneration in Brown Norway Rats.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Translational relevance

Publications

QuPath Automated Analysis of Optic Nerve Degeneration in Brown Norway Rats.

Similar Datasets

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