[RNA synthesis in mammalian nerve cells in vitro]

Neurons of spinal ganglia of adult rabbits were cultivated during 4 days in rolling tubes, RNA synthesis of these neurons being determined by radioautography. In neurons of isolated ganglia, 1 hour following isolation, RNA synthesis was active and decreased up to 64% compared to the initial level only at the fourth day of cultivation. In small neurons, RNA synthesis was more active than in large ones. After addition of exogenous RNA precursors into the medium, the uptake of 3H-uridine increased, especially in large neurons.