Axonal Beading and Microtubule Quantification
Object Tabs
Interactive image analysis software for quantifying axonal beading morphology and focal microtubule loss using phase and fluorescent images a neuron.
Purpose
Focal axonal beading and focal disruption of microtubule structure are characteristic to traumatic axonal injury. We have recently reproduced these morphological and structural changes in our in vitro model system [D. Kilinc, G. Gallo, K.A. Barbee, Mechanically induced membrane poration causes axonal beading and localized cytoskeletal damage, Exp. Neurol. 212 (2008) 422–430]. In order to measure bead formation objectively, an observer-independent quantification of beading was necessary. In addition, a quantitative measure for the extent of co-localization of axonal beads and microtubule disruptions was required to establish a causal relationship between focal cytoskeletal damage and bead formation. In this paper we describe Matlab-based, interactive image analysis programs for axonal beading quantification and co-localization analysis. Injury-induced increases in the axonal beading could be successfully detected using the bead analysis program.
License
CC-BY-SAPrerequirements
Matlab programs presented in this paper were created using Matlab programming language, a mathematical scripting language that is similar to C++. Matlab version 7.0.0.19920 (R14) was used. A computer equipped with Intel Pentium 4 processor (2.40GHz) and 512MB memory is sufficient to run these programs in negligible time.Ease of Use
Anyone can use itMaturity
PlanningOperating system
- Registered:
- Mar 17, 2009
- Last Modified:
- Aug 01, 2011

