Applying the area fraction fractionator (AFF) probe for total volume estimations of somatic, dendritic and axonal domains of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in a murine model.

Background: The Cavalieri estimator is used for volume measurement of brain and brain regions. Derived from this estimator is the Area Fraction Fractionator (AFF), used for efficient area and number estimations of small 2D elements, such as axons in cross-sectioned nerves. However, to our knowledge, the AFF has not been combined with serial sectioning analysis to measure the volume of small-size nervous structures.