Phase contrast and electron microscopical observations of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion cells maintained in primary culture.

Cultures of neurons and non-neuronal cells were prepared from adult mouse dorsal root ganglia and maintained for periods of up to six weeks upon uncoated petri dish substrates. Modifications were made to both existing isolation procedures and culture medium to ensure high cell survival. Cell structure was observed using phase contrast microscopy for living cells and standard light microscopy for Palmgren silver stained preparations. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the fine structure of the cells and showed the close relationship of satellite cells with the surviving dark neurons as culture establishment progressed. Satellite cells were associated with both the cell bodies and the regenerated neuritic processes. The use of the cultures for future cytotoxicity testing is assessed.