Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience

Stereology is a valuable tool for neuroscientists, allowing them to obtain 3-Dimensional information from 2-Dimensional measurements made on appropriately sampled sections (usually obtained from histological sections or MRI/CT/PET scans). This 3-D information is invaluable in correlating structural/functional relationships in the pursuit of far greater understanding of the function of the central nervous system. However, in carrying out such measurements, often based on limited datasets, there is a risk of experimenter bias. An important feature of modern design based stereology is to be aware of potential sources of bias and eliminate them during the data collection. With many of the major neuroscience journals now insisting that quantitative data be presented, there is agreater need than ever for neuroscientists to understand the theory and practice behind quantitative methods, such as those offered by stereology. Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience is a cookbook of stereological methods written especially for neuroscientists. It provides clear and accessible advice about when and when not to use stereology. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on practical guidance, rather than discussions and formulae. Written by leading scientists in the field of stereology, with a Foreword by D.C. Sterio, the book will be a valuable introduction to these methods for neuroscientists, and all those involvedin development of new drug programmes.