Table 1.
Quantitative parameters used for morphometry of vascularity in the cerebellum and midbrain, their stereological principles, histological staining, and sampling of photographs.
| Abbreviation | Parameter (unit) | Stereological principle used for quantification | Objective magn. |
|---|---|---|---|
| V | Volume of individual cerebellum layer, all cerebellum or midbrain (mm3) | Step 1. Systematic uniform random sampling of microscopic image fields selected for quantification from multiple physical sections. | 2x |
| Step 2. Point grid and Cavalieri of Delesse principle. | |||
| N | Total number of microvessels | Step 1. Systematic uniform random sampling of microscopic image fields selected for quantification from multiple physical and optical sections. | 60x |
| Step 2. Disector volume probe. | |||
| ND | Numerical density of vessels per unit volume (mm−3) | Step 1. Systematic uniform random sampling of microscopic image fields selected for quantification from multiple physical and optical sections. | 60x |
| Step 2. Disector volume probe. | |||
| L | Total length of microvessels (mm) | Step 1. Systematic uniform random sampling of microscopic image fields selected for quantification from multiple physical and optical sections. | 60x |
| Step 2. Counting frame. | |||
| LD | Length density of vessels per unit volume (mm−2) | Step 1. Systematic uniform random sampling of microscopic image fields selected for quantification from multiple physical and optical sections. | 60x |
| Step 2. Disector volume probe. | |||
| DD | Diffusion distance of vessels (mm) | Step 1. Determinations the LD | – |
| Step 2. Calculation according specific equation (Isaacs et al., 1992). |
To maximize the reference space for each parameter, the lowest possible magnification was used that provided a resolution that guaranteed reliable visual control of the structures under study.