@entity2479 cell (RGC) @entity194 is an early feature of many forms of @entity2000 , providing a challenge to RGC classification. The characterization of these changes is complicated by the possibility that selective labeling of any particular class can confound the estimation of @entity5707 . To address this issue we have developed a novel, robust, and quantitative RGC classification based on proximal dendritic features which are resistant to @entity528 . RGCs were labeled through the ballistic delivery of @entity19553 and DiI coated @entity5335 particles to whole retinal explants of 20 adult Brown @entity35 . RGCs were grouped according to the Sun classification system. A comprehensive set of primary and secondary dendrite features were quantified and a new classification model derived using principal component (PCA) and discriminant analyses, to estimate the likelihood that a cell belonged to any given class. One-hundred and thirty one imaged RGCs were analyzed; according to the Sun classification, 24% (n = 31) were RGCA, 29% (n = 38) RGCB, 32% (n = 42) @entity68318 , and 15% (n = 20) RGCD. PCA gave a 3 component solution, separating RGCs based on descriptors of soma size and primary dendrite thickness, proximal dendritic field size and dendritic tree asymmetry. The new variables correctly classified 73.3% (n = 74) of RGCs from a training sample and 63.3% (n = 19) from a hold out sample indicating an effective model. Soma and proximal dendritic tree morphological features provide a useful surrogate measurement for the classification of RGCs in disease. While a definitive classification is not possible in every case, the technique provides a useful safeguard against sample bias where the normal criteria for cell classification may not be reliable.

A novel system for the classification of diseased XXXX cells.

@entity5335 :: ('MESH:D014414', 'Chemical') :: ['tungsten'] @entity2000 :: ('MESH:D012162', 'Disease') :: ['retinal degeneration'] @entity19553 :: ('CHEBI:52032', 'Chemical') :: ['DiO'] @entity2479 :: ('MESH:D012173', 'Disease') :: ['Retinal ganglion'] @entity68318 :: ('117183(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['RGCC'] @entity194 :: ('MESH:D001284', 'Disease') :: ['dendritic atrophy'] @entity5707 :: ('MESH:D020257', 'Disease') :: ['dendritic remodeling'] @entity35 :: ('10116', 'Species') :: ['Norway rats'] @entity528 :: ('MESH:D009410', 'Disease') :: ['early degeneration']
@entity2479 :: (MESH:D012173,Disease) :: ['retinal ganglion']
