3-D digital morphology of neurons and glia cells

本项目旨在通过国内外领先的研究人员的合作，利用光和电子光学技术获得的数字化结构图像，开发CNS的三维形态计量分析方法，并将这些技术应用于大脑研究。Hama, Arii， Ellisman小组被指派改造NIPS中的HVEM系统，以便对厚生物标本进行精确的计算机断层扫描，并开发支持该系统的计算机技术。目前，NIPS的HVEM串行断层扫描系统已面向国内外研究人员开放。该小组还开发了光学数字成像所必需的几种新型荧光染料。Murakami， Wilson组：他们利用NIPS和UCSD的设备，分析了皮质末梢和小丘脊髓神经元之间的突触形成过程。结果表明，棘样树突状突起可能在中枢神经系统发育过程中突触发生相互作用中起重要作用。Kosak， Wilson小组：他们开发了解剖方法应用于使用共聚焦激光扫描显微镜（CFLSM）对CNS中化学鉴定的神经元进行定量分析。他们还在NIPS中使用HVEM，定量分析了海马背侧和腹侧的树突棘。Ohtsuka, Habara， and Stell组：他们在NIPS中使用CFLSM，分析了视网膜中光色素合成过程和各种兴奋细胞中的钙信号传导。通过该项目，在NIPS建立了国际上最准确、最可靠的生物材料HVEM计算机断层扫描中心。

The aim of the present project is to develop the methods of 3-D morphometrical analysis of the CNS utilizing the digitized structural images acquired by means of light and electron optical techniques by the collaboration of leading researchers inside and outside of the country, and apply these techniques for the brain research.Hama, Arii, Ellisman group is assigned to remodel the HVEM system in NIPS for accurate computer tomography of thick biological specimens, and to develop computer technique to support this system. Now HVEM serial tomography system in NIPS is available for researchers inside and outside the country. This group also developed several new fluorescent dyes essential for the optical digital imaging.Murakami, Wilson group : They utilized facilities in NIPS and UCSD and analyzed the process of synapse formation between corticorubral terminals and ruburospinal neurons. It was concluded that spine-like dendritic protrusions may play a crucial role in synaptogenic interaction during the development of the CNS.Kosak, Wilson group : They developed the dissector method application for the quantitative analysis of chemically identified neurons in the CNS using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CFLSM). They also utilized HVEM in NIPS and quantitatively analyzed the dendritic spines in dorsal and ventral hippocampus.Ohtsuka, Habara, and Stell group : They utilized CFLSM in NIPS and analyzed the process of photo-pigment synthesis in the retina and calcium signaling in variety of exciting cells.Through this project an international center of HVEM computer tomography for biological materials is established in NIPS which is most accurate and reliable one in the world.