Abstract

Dendrites are neuronal extensions that generate electrical signals from extracellular cues mediating the transfer of information between cells of the nervous system. Enormous efforts in understanding the local mechanisms that regulate dendritic function have confirmed the presence of a local biosynthetic machinery capable of regulating the local dendritic proteome in a soma-independent way. However, the intricate dendritic arborization of mature hippocampal neurons represent a big challenge for investigating these local processes in isolated dendrites. Here, we introduce a microfluidic chamber design that allows the simultaneous isolation of mature axons and dendrites from hippocampal neurons. The successful segregation of apical dendrites was demonstrated by visualizing the polarization of the extended Golgi apparatus. This novel microfluidic chamber design, could enhance the simultaneous study on the local activity of axons and dendrites by allowing local stimulation and easy visualization of either compartment.