For the present study, the animal experiments were approved by UCSF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and were conducted in accordance with the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory animals. Adult, 8-12-week-old C57BL/6 male and female mice (in-house bred) were used here.
1. DRG sample preparation
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize the mice with 2.5% Avertin (see Table of Materials). Ensure adequate anesthesia by the lack of response to painful stimulati...

Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Cryosectioning

<ol>
	<li>Guan, Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Injured+sensory+neuron-derived+CSF1+induces+microglial+proliferation+and+DAP12-dependent+pain.">Injured sensory neuron-derived CSF1 induces microglial proliferation and DAP12-dependent pain.</a> Nature Neuroscience. 19 (1), 94-101 (2016).</li><li>Yu, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dorsal+root+ganglion+macrophages+contribute+to+both+the+initiation+and+persistence+of+neuropathic+pain.">Dorsal root ganglion macrophages contribute to both the initiation and persistence of neuropathic pain.</a> Nature Communications. 11 (1), 264 (2020).</li><li>Costa, F. A. L., Moreira Neto, F. 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P., Zhang, L., He, L., Zhao, N., Guan, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+neuro-immune+interactions+in+chronic+pain:+implications+for+clinical+practice.">The role of neuro-immune interactions in chronic pain: implications for clinical practice.</a> Journal of Pain Research. 15, 2223-2248 (2022).</li><li>Esposito, M. F., Malayil, R., Hanes, M., Deer, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Unique+characteristics+of+the+dorsal+root+ganglion+as+a+target+for+neuromodulation.">Unique characteristics of the dorsal root ganglion as a target for neuromodulation.</a> Pain Medicine. 20, S23-S30 (2019).</li><li>Chen, X. J., Sun, Y. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Central+circuit+mechanisms+of+itch.">Central circuit mechanisms of itch.</a> Nature Communications. 11 (1), 3052 (2020).</li><li>Guan, Z., Hellman, J., Schumacher, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contemporary+views+on+inflammatory+pain+mechanisms:+TRPing+over+innate+and+microglial+pathways.">Contemporary views on inflammatory pain mechanisms: TRPing over innate and microglial pathways.</a> F1000Research. , (2016).</li><li>Boadas-Vaello, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuroplasticity+of+ascending+and+descending+pathways+after+somatosensory+system+injury:+reviewing+knowledge+to+identify+neuropathic+pain+therapeutic+targets.">Neuroplasticity of ascending and descending pathways after somatosensory system injury: reviewing knowledge to identify neuropathic pain therapeutic targets.</a> Spinal Cord. 54 (5), 330-340 (2016).</li><li>Guha, D., Shamji, M. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+dorsal+root+ganglion+in+the+pathogenesis+of+chronic+neuropathic+pain.">The dorsal root ganglion in the pathogenesis of chronic neuropathic pain.</a> Neurosurgery. 63, 118-126 (2016).</li><li>Shorrock, H. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=UBA1/GARS-dependent+pathways+drive+sensory-motor+connectivity+defects+in+spinal+muscular+atrophy.">UBA1/GARS-dependent pathways drive sensory-motor connectivity defects in spinal muscular atrophy.</a> Brain. 141 (10), 2878-2894 (2018).</li><li>Sleigh, J. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trk+receptor+signaling+and+sensory+neuron+fate+are+perturbed+in+human+neuropathy+caused+by+Gars+mutations.">Trk receptor signaling and sensory neuron fate are perturbed in human neuropathy caused by Gars mutations.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 114 (16), E3324-E3333 (2017).</li><li>Rubio, M. A., Herrando-Grabulosa, M., Gaja-Capdevila, N., Vilches, J. J., Navarro, X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+somatosensory+neuron+involvement+in+the+SOD1(G93A)+mouse+model.">Characterization of somatosensory neuron involvement in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model.</a> Scientific Reports. 12 (1), 7600 (2022).</li><li>Sleigh, J. N., West, S. J., Schiavo, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+video+protocol+for+rapid+dissection+of+mouse+dorsal+root+ganglia+from+defined+spinal+levels.">A video protocol for rapid dissection of mouse dorsal root ganglia from defined spinal levels.</a> BMC Research Notes. 13 (1), 302 (2020).</li><li>Sleigh, J. N., Weir, G. A., Schiavo, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple,+step-by-step+dissection+protocol+for+the+rapid+isolation+of+mouse+dorsal+root+ganglia.">A simple, step-by-step dissection protocol for the rapid isolation of mouse dorsal root ganglia.</a> BMC Research Notes. 9, 82 (2016).</li><li>Perner, C., Sokol, C. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protocol+for+dissection+and+culture+of+murine+dorsal+root+ganglia+neurons+to+study+neuropeptide+release.">Protocol for dissection and culture of murine dorsal root ganglia neurons to study neuropeptide release.</a> STAR Protocols. 2 (1), 100333 (2021).</li><li>Haberberger, R. V., Barry, C., Matusica, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immortalized+dorsal+root+ganglion+neuron+cell+lines.">Immortalized dorsal root ganglion neuron cell lines.</a> Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 14, 184 (2020).</li><li>Pokhilko, A., Nash, A., Cader, M. Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Common+transcriptional+signatures+of+neuropathic+pain.">Common transcriptional signatures of neuropathic pain.</a> Pain. 161 (7), 1542-1554 (2020).</li><li>Martin, S. L., Reid, A. J., Verkhratsky, A., Magnaghi, V., Faroni, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gene+expression+changes+in+dorsal+root+ganglia+following+peripheral+nerve+injury:+roles+in+inflammation,+cell+death+and+nociception.">Gene expression changes in dorsal root ganglia following peripheral nerve injury: roles in inflammation, cell death and nociception.</a> Neural Regeneration Research. 14 (6), 939-947 (2019).</li><li>Miller, R. J., Jung, H., Bhangoo, S. K., White, F. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cytokine+and+chemokine+regulation+of+sensory+neuron+function.">Cytokine and chemokine regulation of sensory neuron function.</a> Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. (194), 417-449 (2009).</li><li>Neto, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Axonal+outgrowth,+neuropeptides+expression+and+receptors+tyrosine+kinase+phosphorylation+in+3D+organotypic+cultures+of+adult+dorsal+root+ganglia.">Axonal outgrowth, neuropeptides expression and receptors tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in 3D organotypic cultures of adult dorsal root ganglia.</a> PLoS One. 12 (7), e0181612 (2017).</li><li>Nascimento, A. I., Mar, F. M., Sousa, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+intriguing+nature+of+dorsal+root+ganglion+neurons:+Linking+structure+with+polarity+and+function.">The intriguing nature of dorsal root ganglion neurons: Linking structure with polarity and function.</a> Progress in Neurobiolology. 168, 86-103 (2018).</li><li>Middleton, S. J., Perez-Sanchez, J., Dawes, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+structure+of+sensory+afferent+compartments+in+health+and+disease.">The structure of sensory afferent compartments in health and disease.</a> Journal of Anatomy. 241 (5), 1186-1210 (2022).</li><li>Nguyen, M. Q., von Buchholtz, L. J., Reker, A. N., Ryba, N. J., Davidson, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-nucleus+transcriptomic+analysis+of+human+dorsal+root+ganglion+neurons.">Single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of human dorsal root ganglion neurons.</a> eLife. 10, e71752 (2021).</li><li>Usoskin, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Unbiased+classification+of+sensory+neuron+types+by+large-scale+single-cell+RNA+sequencing.">Unbiased classification of sensory neuron types by large-scale single-cell RNA sequencing.</a> Nature Neuroscience. 18 (1), 145-153 (2015).</li><li>Hunt, M. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=DRGquant:+A+new+modular+AI-based+pipeline+for+3D+analysis+of+the+DRG.">DRGquant: A new modular AI-based pipeline for 3D analysis of the DRG.</a> Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 371, 109497 (2022).</li></ol>

This protocol provides an easy step-by-step procedure for cryostat sectioning of the mouse DRG to obtain high-quality DRG sections on slides reliably.There are four critical steps in this protocol. First, the DRG sample and the tweezers must be dry before putting the DRG sample onto the base OCT. Any liquid surrounding the DRG sample will form an ice shell around it, resulting in DRG sections separating from the OCT and curving up. Second, if the aluminum block does not have a mark, or if the base OCT covers the mark, it...

The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contains the primary sensory neurons, the tissue macrophages, and the satellite cells that surround the primary sensory neurons1,2,3,4. It is a key anatomic structure in processing innocuous and noxious signals, and plays critical roles in pain, itch, and various peripheral nerve disorders5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13. Although several methods have been developed to dissect DRG tissue from the mouse spinal cord14,15,16, cryosectioning of the DRG tissue remains challenging as the DRG tissue is quite small, and cryostat sections of DRG samples tend to curve into rolls, making it difficult to properly transfer the cryostat sections onto glass slides. However, proper cryosectioning of the DRG tissue is crucial for immunohistochemistry studies and the structure of DRG sensory neurons17,18,19,20,21,22,23. Moreover, as single-cell RNA sequencing results have revealed the remarkable heterogeneity of DRG sensory neurons in both humans24 and mice25, proper cryosectioning of DRG tissue is critical for investigating the functional role of different DRG cells in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Although the tissue-clearing technique has been applied to investigate the 3D reconstruction of the DRG26 as an alternative technique of cryosectioning the DRG, the tissue-clearing technique is time- and labor-consuming. In comparison, cryosectioning of the DRG is quick and relatively easy to perform, and thus it remains to be a key technique for immunohistochemistry and structure studies of the DRG and other regions of the central nervous system. However, obtaining high-quality, intact, and flat cryostat sections onto glass slides remains to be a challenge in neuroscience research because of the tiny sample size of tissues, like the DRG and certain brain regions, and there is no article describing the optimal protocol at this point for cryosectioning small-sized tissue samples, such as mouse DRGs.
This protocol provides an easy, step-by-step technique for cryostat sectioning of the mouse DRG to reliably obtain as many high-quality DRG sections on the slides for subsequent DRG studies. While specifically designed for cryosectioning DRG samples, this technique can potentially be used for cryosectioning various other tissues with a small sample size.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Avertin</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>T48402-25G</td>
			<td>Anesthetize animal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Epredia&#160;Cryotome Cryostat Cryocassettes, 25 mm dia. Crosshatched</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>1910</td>
			<td>Hold the OCT section at the bottom&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ergo Tweezers</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>S95310</td>
			<td>Using the end of a tweezer to gently touch the bottom (6 o&#8217;clock) of the section so that it sticks to the platform surface to prevent the section from curving back in a roll&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fisherbrand&#160;Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>1255015</td>
			<td>To collect the DRG section&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Marking pens</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>133794</td>
			<td>&#160;Mark the orientation of base OCT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scigen&#160;Tissue-Plus O.C.T. Compound</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>&#160;23730571</td>
			<td>Embedding medium for frozen tissue specimens to ensure optimal cutting temperature (O.C.T.).</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a procedure for mouse dorsal root ganglion cryosectioning

High-quality mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cryostat sections are crucial for proper immunochemistry staining and RNAscope studies in the research of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, itch, as well as other peripheral neurological conditions. However, it remains a challenge to consistently obtain high-quality, intact, and flat cryostat sections onto glass slides because of the tiny sample size of the DRG tissue. So far, there is no article describing an optimal protocol for DRG cryosectioning. This protocol presents a step-by-step method to resolve the frequently encountered difficulties associated with DRG cryosectioning. The presented article explains how to remove the surrounding liquid from the DRG tissue samples, place the DRG sections on the slide facing the same orientation, and flatten the sections on the glass slide without curving up. Although this protocol has been developed for cryosectioning the DRG samples, it can be applied for the cryosectioning of many other tissues with a small sample size.

Author Spotlight: A Procedure for Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Cryosectioning  

A Procedure for Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Cryosectioning

It remains a challenge to consistently obtain high-quality, intact, and flat mouse dorsal root ganglion cryostat sections. The research aims to answer how to acquire ideal mouse dorsal root ganglion cryostat section. This protocol provides an easy step-by-step technique for cryostat section of the mouse DRG to high quality, intact, and flat mouse DRG cryostat sections.This presented article explains how to remove surrounding liquid from the mouse DRG sample tissue, placing the DRG sections on the slides facing the same orientation, and flatten the DRG sections without curving up. One major challenge is that the OCT sections of mouse DRG tend to curve into a roll, making it difficult to place onto the glass slide. It is also challenging to acquire sufficient sections from one sample due to the small size of the mouse DRG.

The current study collected about 16 continuous, high-quality DRG sections from one mouse L4 DRG. The obtained sections were without any distortion. Figure 1 depicts the step-by-step procedure for the cryosectioning. The removal of extra liquid from the tissue sections is shown in Figure 2. The process of OCT embedment of the tissues is highlighted in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the proper placement of the...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Procedure for Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Cryosectioning at JoVE.com

Presented here is the development for consistently acquiring high-quality dorsal root ganglion cryostat sections.

High-quality mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cryostat sections are crucial for proper immunochemistry staining and RNAscope studies in the research of ...

a-procedure-for-mouse-dorsal-root-ganglion-cryosectioning

Research

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Neuroscience

3.7K ビュー.  Capital Medical University. 高品質で無傷かつ平坦なマウス後根神経節クライオスタット切片を一貫して取得することは依然として課題です。本研究は、理想的なマウス後根神経節クライオスタット切片の獲得方法に答えることを目的としています。このプロトコルは、マウスDRGのクライオスタット切片から、高品質、インタクト、フラットマウスDRGクライオスタット切片までの簡単なステップバ?...

ビデオ: 著者スポットライト:マウス背根神経節凍結切片の手順  

Presented here is the development for consistently acquiring high-quality dorsal root ganglion cryostat...

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dorsal root ganglion (drg) sample preparation for cryosectioning

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Sample Preparation for Cryosectioning  

cryosectioning of the dorsal root ganglion (drg)

Cryosectioning of the Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG)  

rapid isolation of dorsal root ganglion macrophages

Rapid Isolation of Dorsal Root Ganglion Macrophages

Here we present a mechanical dissociation protocol to rapidly isolate macrophages from the dorsal root ganglion for phenotyping and functional...

dorsal root ganglion injection and dorsal root crush injury as a model for sensory axon regeneration

Dorsal Root Ganglion Injection and Dorsal Root Crush Injury as a Model for Sensory Axon Regeneration

This protocol presents the use of a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) injection with a viral vector and a concurrent dorsal root crush injury in an adult rat as a model to study sensory axon regeneration. This model is suitable for investigating the use of gene therapy to promote sensory axon...

harvesting drg from rat spine: a procedure to extract dorsal root ganglion from the spine of a rat model

In this video, we demonstrate the extraction of dorsal root ganglion or DRG from a harvested rat spine for downstream...

Harvesting DRG from Rat Spine: A Procedure to Extract Dorsal Root Ganglion from the Spine of a Rat Model

isolation of macrophages from mouse dorsal root ganglion using mechanical dissociation

This video demonstrates an enzyme-free protocol to isolate macrophages from mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) using a mechanical dissociation technique. Upon homogenization of the freshly collected DRG tissue, antibodies against the cell-surface receptors on the macrophages are used to label the cells fluorescently, followed by performing flow cytometry to confirm the presence of macrophages in the...

Isolation of Macrophages from Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Using Mechanical Dissociation

investigating mammalian axon regeneration: in vivo electroporation of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion

Investigating Mammalian Axon Regeneration: In Vivo Electroporation of Adult Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion

Electroporation is an effective approach to deliver genes of interests into cells. By applying this approach in vivo on the neurons of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG), we describe a model to study axon regeneration in...

Investigating Mammalian Axon Regeneration: In Vivo Electroporation of Adult Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion

Begin by placing an anesthetized mouse inside a chemical fume hood in the supine position with four paws secured with tape. Use forceps to lift the skin below the rib cage, and then with surgical scissors, make a small incision to expose the liver and diaphragm. Using the same scissors, cut the diaphragm and the rib cage, and then open the pleural cavity to expose the beating...

analgesic effect of tuina on rat models with compression of the dorsal root ganglion pain

Author Spotlight: Analgesic Effect of Tuina on Rat Models with Compression of the Dorsal Root Ganglion Pain  

This article presents a manipulation for treating chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion in rats using Tuina therapy, along with a method for evaluating its effectiveness based on pain behavior and histopathological...

Standardized Tuina Protocol for Rat DRG Compression Model

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harvesting dorsal root ganglion from rat spine

Using delicate bone scissors, open the thoracic and cervical vertebral bones in the dorsal and ventral aspects to separate the spine into two lateral halves, and place the tissue sections into a clean 10-centimeter dish with fresh PBS. Using forceps, gently detach the spinal cord from the vertebral bones to visualize the dorsal root...

Harvesting Dorsal Root Ganglion from Rat Spine

laminotomy for lumbar dorsal root ganglion access and injection in swine

Laminotomy for Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganglion Access and Injection in Swine

We describe a method for laminotomy in swine that provides access to lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for intraganglionic injection. Injection progress is monitored intraoperatively and histologically confirmed up to 21 days after surgery. This protocol could be used for future preclinical studies involving DRG...

generating dorsal root ganglion explant and dissociated cell culture

This video demonstrates a method to develop dorsal root ganglia or DRG explant culture and DRG-dissociated cell models using isolated mouse DRG tissues. These models help to study various mechanisms with neuron-glial interactions in a controlled...

Generating Dorsal Root Ganglion Explant and Dissociated Cell Culture

co-culturing of a dorsal root ganglion explant with schwann cells for neuron myelination

This video demonstrates the coculturing model of a dorsal root ganglion explant and Schwann cells. In coculture conditions, ascorbic acid promotes the differentiation of Schwann cells into myelinating forms. Myelinating Schwann cells wrap the axons multiple times to create a myelin sheath, which is essential for nerve...

Co-culturing of a Dorsal Root Ganglion Explant with Schwann Cells for Neuron Myelination

genetic study of axon regeneration with cultured adult dorsal root ganglion neurons

Genetic Study of Axon Regeneration with Cultured Adult Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

An in vitro model for genetic study of axon regeneration using cultured adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons is described. The method includes a re-suspension/re-plating step to allow axon re-growth from neurons undergoing genetic manipulation. This approach is especially useful for loss-of-function studies of axon regeneration using RNAi-based protein...

Take a four-well plate containing 190 microliters of DRG growth medium in each well, and carefully transfer a single DRG into the center of each well using fine forceps and a spatula. Then, place the DRG explant cultures in the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius and 5% carbon dioxide. The next day, carefully add 50 microliters of the DRG growth medium to each well, and observe DRG explant adherence and axon outgrowth using a microscope daily. For co-culturing on day three of the DRG explant...

After that, place the cleaned to DRG in a new Petri dish containing ice-cold, serum-free media. Dilute the gelatinous protein mixture in ice-cold, serum-free media in a 1-to-1 ratio. Then, plate the DRG ex vivo in the 12-well plates, precoated with 10 or 20 microliters of gelatinous protein mixture, and keep them at 37 degree Celsius for 30 to 60...

in vitro modeling of cancerous neural invasion: the dorsal root ganglion model

In Vitro Modeling of Cancerous Neural Invasion: The Dorsal Root Ganglion Model

This video article shows the use of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG)/cancer cell model in pancreatic ductal...

In Vitro Modeling of Cancerous Neural Invasion: The Dorsal Root Ganglion Model

in vitro myelination of peripheral axons in a coculture of rat dorsal root ganglion explants and schwann cells

In Vitro Myelination of Peripheral Axons in a Coculture of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants and Schwann Cells

In the coculture system of dorsal root ganglia and Schwann cells, myelination of the peripheral nervous system can be studied. This model provides experimental opportunities to observe and quantify peripheral myelination and to study the effects of compounds of interest on the myelin sheath.

Begin by post-fixing the DRG tissue dissected from the spinal cord of the anesthetized mouse in 4%formaldehyde for three hours at room temperature. Then, incubate the tissue in 30%sucrose in PBS at four degrees Celsius overnight. Next, prepare the base OCT by adding the OCT compound and covering the top surface of the aluminum block.Freeze the covered aluminum block at minus 20 degrees Celsius for five to 10 minutes. Cut off the top of the OCT at 30-micrometer thickness using the cryostat, until its surface is as flat as the base OCT. Mark the bottom of the base OCT at the 6:00 position, before taking the aluminum block off the cryostat.To perform OCT embedment of DRGs, dry the DRG tissue by placing it on a dry Petri dish and moving it from one location to another two or three times with the dry tweezers. Then, place the dry DRG onto the OCT base at the 12:00 position, using dry tweezers. Ensure to keep at least five millimeters distance between the upper-edge of the DRG and the upper-edge of the base OCT, with the dorsal part at the 12:00 position, and the ventral part at the 6:00 position.Next, add OCT in a round or oval shape to embed the entire DRG tissue with the DRG in the center. Freeze the cover OCT and DRG sample at minus 20 degrees Celsius for five minutes. Once done, cut off the top of the cover OCT at a 30-micrometer thickness until the DRG is visible.

Begin the cryosectioning by holding the optimal cutting temperature DRG section at the bottom, using a small paint brush, pre-chilled at 20 degrees Celsius. Gently touch the bottom of the section using the end of a room temperature tweezer so that it sticks to the platform surface. Next, slowly place a charged glass slide over the section.As soon as the section sticks to the slide, gently pull the slide backward. Follow the same process to get more DRG sections onto the slide without overlapping the sections. The proper placement of the DRG sections on the glass slides is seen where the tissues are not overlapping the DRG section and the OCT of other DRG sections.The confocal fluorescence microscopy image demonstrated the quality of the DRG sections obtained with this protocol. With this technique, the immunohistochemistry studies of DRG can be performed using different antibodies.