An automated method for the quantification of transgene expression in motor axons of the peripheral nerve

Determination of transgene expression in motor axons of peripheral nerves is important in evaluating the effectiveness of viral transduction. Currently only manual and semi-automatic

This automated quantification method provides a fast and robust means of determining the fraction of labeled axons in peripheral nerve sections.

This method has comparable performance in false positive rates (<1%) and a 95% predictive interval that closely matches existing fully automated methods for quantification in brightfield sections. It outperforms the intra- and interobserver differences of manual and semi-automated methods for quantification. Conclusions: This automated quantification method provides a fast and robust means of determining the fraction of labeled axons in peripheral nerve sections.

The automated method is able to successfully distinguish transgenic GFP expressing mice from wild type. Using computer generated peripheral nerve sections, the automated method has less than 5% error at signal-to-noise ratios greater than 10% of baseline. Comparisons with existing methods: This method has comparable performance in false positive rates (<1%) and a 95% predictive interval that closely matches existing fully automated methods for quantification in brightfield sections. It outperforms the intra- and interobserver differences of manual and semi-automated methods for quantification. Conclusions: This automated quantification method provides a fast and robust means of determining the fraction of labeled axons in peripheral nerve sections.