Details for amaxa FAQ article #250

«What is the optimal age of the pups we should use for DRG preparation?»

Dorsal root ganglia are sensitive cells and the cell survival is best if they are prepared from younger pups (E18-P2). Mouse pups should not be younger than E15.
These sensory neurons are an exception to the typical neuron, in that they do not have separate dendrites and axonal processes, but only one branched process that serves both functions (pseudounipolar). Therefore a disruption of the neurite during preperation is even more difficult to compensate for compared to other neurons, especially the more the cells are terminally differentiated.