Counting Cells with Cell Counter Plugin in ImageJ and Fiji

ImageJ and its derivative Fiji are powerful tools for image analysis, offering a wide range of plugins to help researchers quantify various biological features. One such plugin is the Cell Counter, which allows users to count cells in images of tissue sections or cell cultures.

The Cell Counter plugin works well with different zones in an image, particularly when distinguishing between resting and proliferative zones from the hypertrophic zone (larger cells). To set up the plugin, it's essential to adjust certain parameters before analysis.

Firstly, open your file and select the zone of interest. Clear the outline by leaving only the desired area, then invert the colors for DAPI and other fluorescence images. Adjust brightness and contrast levels by clicking 'Auto' and then 'Apply' - this often yields optimal results. Additionally, ensure that your computer's Java is up to date, as the Cell Counter plugin is a Java applet.

The Watershed algorithm can be applied using either ImageJ or Fiji, allowing for more accurate segmentation of cell boundaries. When capturing images, it's crucial to use the correct magnification, enabling individual cells to be identified in each zone of the growth plate.

By following these steps and adjusting parameters accordingly, researchers can rely on the Cell Counter plugin to accurately count cells in their images, providing valuable insights into cellular processes and behavior.

Cell counter imagej fiji