Semi-automated counting method of axons in transmission electron microscopic images

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of a new semi-automated method for counting axons in transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images. Procedures Optic nerve cross sections were obtained from both eyes of Sprague Dawley rats after unilateral induction of chronic ocular hypertension. TEM images (30009 magnification) of cross sections were evaluated by both semi-automated and manual counting methods. The semi-automated counting method was performed using IMAGEJ software after simple image optimization, and the resulting estimate of axon damage was compared with semiquantitative damage grading scale from light microscopic (LM) images. Results Axon counts obtained from the semi-automated method were strongly correlated with those obtained from the manual counting method (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.996, P < 0.001) and from the full manual count from LM images (Spearman's q = 0.973, P < 0.001). The semi-automated method measured axonal damage with an error of 0.94 +/- 3.16% (mean +/- standard deviation), with worse axonal damage associated with greater error. Interobserver and intra-observer variability in axons counts were low (Spearman's q = 0.999, P < 0.005). The results of the semi-automated counting method were highly correlated with semiquantitative damage grading scale (Spearman's q = 0.965, P < 0.001). Conclusion Results of our semi-automated method for counting axons in TEM images were strongly correlated with those of conventional counting methods and showed excellent reproducibility.