Three-dimensional computer reconstruction and display of neuronal structure

[Modern aspects of reconstructive surgery of skull defects]

The aim of this study is to systematize the modern methods used for reconstruction of extensive and complex skull defects. Special attention is paid to computer technologies, including 3D imaging and CAD/CAM. Laser-based stereolithography is thoroughly reviewed among other additive technologies. We present our view of the problem associated with proper timing of cranioplasty and choice of materials for it. Complications of skull defect reconstruction are also discussed.

Digital reconstructions of neuronal morphology: three decades of research trends

The importance of neuronal morphology has been recognized from the early days of neuroscience. Elucidating the functional roles of axonal and dendritic arbors in synaptic integration, signal transmission, network connectivity, and circuit dynamics requires quantitative analyses of digital three-dimensional reconstructions. We extensively searched the scientific literature for all original reports describing reconstructions of neuronal morphology since the advent of this technique three decades ago. From almost 50,000 titles, 30,000 abstracts, and more than 10,000 full-text articles, we identified 902 publications describing ∼44,000 digital reconstructions. Reviewing the growth of this field exposed general research trends on specific animal species, brain regions, neuron types, and experimental approaches. The entire bibliography, annotated with relevant metadata and (wherever available) direct links to the underlying digital data, is accessible at NeuroMorpho.Org.

GRIDSS: an integrated suite of microcomputer programs for three-dimensional graphical reconstruction from serial sections

A program for serial section reconstruction using computer graphics on a microcomputer is described, which uses freely available non-specific hardware and software. Individual section data are input from a digitizer pad, and their reconstructed composite image can be displayed as if viewed from any direction.

Computer reconstruction of nucleolar architecture by interactive three-dimensional color display

The first complete three dimensional ultrastructural reconstruction of pancreatic cell nucleoli, was done using EM and computer 3D-assisted reconstruction of serial sections with interactive 3D back-to-front and color display methods based on voxel representation. The purpose of the study was to depict the architecture of the nucleolar components. We obtained information about the location of the nucleolus within the nuclear volume and about the shape and polarity of the 3 main nucleolar territories.

A computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of brain structures using high level computer graphics

This paper describes how line drawings and continuous tone shaded images of a three-dimensional solid model of a brain structure are generated using a powerful general purpose computer graphics package. The model is built from a series of serial sections. We developed a software interface to convert the data entered by a section oriented way into a brain structure oriented file. We point out particularly the modular approach which consists of separating the tasks on small microcomputers or on bigger machines according to their computing cost. An example of a thalamic structure in a stereotaxic referential is presented.

Computer-aided reconstructive morphology of the baboon abducens nucleus

Our previous effort at reconstructive morphology included the marriage of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) neurohistochemical method to a Lucite plate reconstruction technique. Limitations imposed by this combination of methods has led us to develop a computer-based system that utilizes image-processing techniques and the data obtained from HRP-processed serial light microscope sections. Labeled neurons of the baboon abducens nucleus were identified by HRP conjugated to wheat ger agglutinin. Using the resulting serial sections and a unique imaging process involving a pattern recognition algorithm, our computer-based system automatically differentiates neuronal from nonneuronal features, delineates the surface boundaries of the neuronal population, and then assembles these serial sections into a solid three-dimensional structure that can be rotated and further analyzed. A computer-generated solid model of this neuronal population has been reconstructed and reproduced in a two-dimensional publishable format. It is anticipated that with further development this system will be able to utilize data from the same specimen to study spatial relations through three-dimensional reconstruction, as well as to study the quantitative morphology of a neuronal population. Other computer-aided systems are noted, as are the advantages and shortcomings of the present method.

Computer-aided measurement of transverse axon sections for morphology studies

A study has been made of a general-purpose minicomputer image analysis system to provide medical researchers with data needed in morphology studies of myelinated axon sections. The system was designed to provide data equivalent to that produced by manually outlining and quantifying the axon and myelin boundaries. The system hardware and algorithms are described and experimental results presented comparing manual and automated data. The results show that a system with limited automation is an order of magnitude faster than manual methods in providing data with comparable accuracy and improved repeatability.