Structured Illumination Stereology

The ideal system for Multi-Channel Fluorescent Stereology

A fully integrated confocal structured illumination stereology system for accurate quantification using multiple fluorescent labels


Stereo Investigator Confocal SI System with the Olympus BX51-DSU microscope.

Stereology is the accepted method for performing cell counts and other quantitative analyses in neurobiology. MBF’s Stereo Investigator is the world’s leading product for unbiased stereology. It is designed to be time efficient and allow semi-automated quantification of histological samples.

Confocal microscopy is a powerful tool widely used by researchers to clearly visualize multiple labels and co-localization within a biological specimen. The MBF Confocal SI (structured illumination) System provides fast imaging at a much lower price point and greater versatility than laser scanning confocal systems.

Stereo Investigator, combined with a structured illumination confocal microscope, allows you to gather data rapidly, without bias or unnecessary over-sampling, getting you quickly to statistically valid results. MBF is pleased to offer the first complete confocal stereology system—a tight integration of Stereo Investigator and the Olympus DSU microscope.

Cutting edge research requires multiple labeling capability

  • Staining protocol for multiple labels is straightforward and consistent. Less variability and background than colorimetric immunohistochemistry
  • Systematic random sampling done by the integrated Stereo Investigator program allows rapid and concise image gathering across the tissue-obviating the need to exhaustively sample the tissue section prior to applying stereological probes.
  • Reduced photobleaching
  • Faster and less labor intensive than using laser scanning confocal for stereology via semi-automated capture
  • Ideally suited for analysis of biological particles like cells or synapses (Optical Fractionator)
  • Analysis of volumes of biological particles (Nucleator)
  • Analysis of lengths of biological structures such as capillaries or axon bundles (Space Balls)
  • Analysis of the spatial distribution of biological particles (Nearest-Neighbor)

Learn more about Stereo Investigator