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Morphometric evaluation of the spermatogonial stem cell distribution and niche in vertebrates

Abstract:

Morphometry is a classical quantitative method often used in biology to provide a data basis for functional interpretations/interactions of a particular organ or system. Herein we took advantage of this valuable approach to evaluate the spermatogonial stem cell niche using the horse testis and immunocytochemical localization of GFRA1 [glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor produced by Sertoli cells)] as an example. Using the NIH ImageJ free software, we describe in detail all the necessary steps to investigate this specifi c and crucial microenvironment. Based on several recently published papers from our research group, this approach has proved to be fast, simple, and adaptable to a wide range of species and has the potential to be easily reproducible in different laboratories. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2013.