Computer Image Analysis of Histochemically-Labeled Acetylcholinesterase.
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to explore the use of computer image analysis on conjunction with histochemical techniques to describe the distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in nervous and muscular tissue in rats treated with organophosphates (OPs). The objective of the first year of work on this remaining 2 years. We began by adopting a version of the AChE staining method as modified by Hanker, which consistent with the optical properties of our video system. We wrote computer programs for provide a numeric quantity which represents the degree of staining in a tissue section. The staining was calibrated by experiments in which brain tissue was homogenized and AChE measured by biochemical methods. Other experiments examined the effects of a varying the incubation period for staining, and of inhibiting AChE by addition of carbamates or OPs to the staining reaction. Limited experiments using in vivo inhibition of AChE in rats by diisopropylfluorophosphonate (DFP) showed strong inhibition in stained brain section. The results of these studies indicate that the determination and mapping of AChE by quantitative histochemistry is feasible and reliable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA183806
Entities
People
- Gilbert R. Hillman
Organizations
- University of Texas Medical Branch