New insights await by comparing the findings of neural tracing done with Stereology to results obtained with Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Stereology originated in the 1700’s with the discovery of an association between geometry and probability by Buffon in 1733. But there were problems applying this method to inhomogeneous structures. This issue was overcome with Design-Based Stereology, which elaborates the schemes a priori, thus eliminating dependence on the geometry of the structure. The utility of this technology associated with microscopy becomes evident with cell counting and neuron tracing when applied to the brain. Neuron tracing can be an option when looking for connectivity, as it is done with Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Correlating the findings between the two approaches should be very interesting indeed.
Adolfo Cotter, MD
Nov 20/2009
