Aim: In immunohistochemistry, antibodies are used to detect and localize antigens in cellular compartments in sections taken from frozen or paraffin blocks. Currently, computerized image processing techniques are widely available to analyze immunohistochemically stained tissues; however, the image analysis programs are generally highly specific and expensive. We aimed to show the feasibility of computer assisted image analysis (CAIA) by using two computer programs currently in widespread use. Methods: Two available computer programs, Adobe Photoshop CS and ImageJ, were used to separate areas in the same tissue sections stained with NOS antibody and labeled with peroxidase in human endometrial tissue. CAIA was made on the relevant images using these two programs. Results: There was a significant difference among the groups according to staining intensity, in all three grades of staining (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively). Subjective assessment of the images was in good agreement with objective CAIA. One (+) positive stained area was greater in group 1 and less in group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Group 3, which was considered as the most intensely stained by the observer, had the greatest amount of ++ staining. Conclusion: CAIA is a safe and reliable method of analyzing tissue samples stained using immunohistochemical methods.

Aim: In immunohistochemistry, antibodies are used to detect and localize antigens in cellular compartments in sections taken from frozen or paraffin blocks. Currently, computerized image processing techniques are widely available to analyze immunohistochemically stained tissues; however, the image analysis programs are generally highly specific and expensive. We aimed to show the feasibility of computer assisted image analysis (CAIA) by using two computer programs currently in widespread use. Methods: Two available computer programs, Adobe Photoshop CS and ImageJ, were used to separate areas in the same tissue sections stained with NOS antibody and labeled with peroxidase in human endometrial tissue. CAIA was made on the relevant images using these two programs. Results: There was a significant difference among the groups according to staining intensity, in all three grades of staining (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively). Subjective assessment of the images was in good agreement with objective CAIA. One (+) positive stained area was greater in group 1 and less in group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Group 3, which was considered as the most intensely stained by the observer, had the greatest amount of ++ staining. Conclusion: CAIA is a safe and reliable method of analyzing tissue samples stained using immunohistochemical methods.