ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Electroporation of dorsal root ganglion is a high-efficiency gene transfection method to study nerve regeneration. In the past, the voltage condition of dorsal root ganglion electroporation resulted in a reduction in the number of labeled neurons and axons, with a high statistical error. OBJECTIVE: To improve the marker rate of neurons and their axons, and to provide theoretical basis for the study of peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS: The enhanced green fluorescent protein was as an outcome measure to optimize dorsal root ganglion electroporation in axonal regeneration. ICR mice were randomly divided into two groups, respectively, and underwent dorsal root ganglion electroperforation surgery to detect the labeling rates of neurons and their axons under the intervention of 35 and 60 V voltages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Voltages at 35 and 60 V did not cause significant neuronal death. Compared with 35 V voltage, 60 V voltage significantly increased the labeling rate of neurons and their axons as well as the number of axons passing through the injured site (P < 0.05). The 60 V voltage did not damage the behavioral function of the experimental animals. These results suggest that 60 V voltage can increase the labeling rate of neurons and their axons, providing a basis for the study of axonal regeneration in peripheral nerves.