The comet assay is an efficient way of detecting single- and double-strand breaks, including alkali-labile sites and DNA-DNA/DNA-protein cross-links on the DNA in all cells including hippocampal neurons. The method takes advantage of the differential migration of DNA in an electric field due to differences in amount of DNA damage.
Nowsheen, S., Xia, F., Yang, E. S. Assaying DNA Damage in Hippocampal Neurons Using the Comet Assay. J. Vis. Exp. (70), e50049, doi:10.3791/50049 (2012).