Introduction to the Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center
The Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center is the first center in Iran that started its work as a stereology research laboratory at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 1997. This center received in-principle approval in 2009 and final approval in 2013 by the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education. Currently, 14 academic staff members are working in this center. This center is equipped with a microscope and camera connected to a computer and calculation software, a CETI stereomicroscope connected to a computer and calculation software, a microtome for preparing tissue sections, a microcauter for measuring the Z axis in microscopic calculations, and a tissue preparation device.
Stereology means extracting three-dimensional concepts from sections. This method is a branch of applied mathematics that can provide information based on geometry, mathematics, and statistics from tissue sections. Calculating volume, surface area, length, number, and spatial distances are among the most important variables calculated in this science. The following examples may be enlightening:
1- Is the volume of the thalamus different in people with schizophrenia than in normal people?
2- The area of the alveoli in the human lung is equal to a tennis court. Does this area decrease during chemical attacks and exposure to it? Does the area increase when treated with a specific drug?
3- How much does the length of the seminiferous tubules of the testicle decrease after the use of stimulants? After stopping their use, do the lengths of the tubes return to their original size?
4- Which drug can reduce the volume of renal fibrosis tissue following ureteral obstruction?
5- Does the number of neurons in the brain of a fetus decrease if the mother uses a mobile phone?
6- Does vitamin E prevent the death of brain cells following cocaine use?
7- Does the spatial position of astrocytes relative to their associated neurons change during schizophrenia? Is it possible that their number does not change? How are these distances calculated?
