Objective: We aim to study peripheral endings of nociceptive neurons with respect to local sensitization processes. As a model, we use processes of isolated DRG neurons, spatially segregated in a three-compartment culture chamber. In DRG neurons, axonal outgrowth can be stimulated by NGF or GDNF via activation of their respective receptors trkA or GFRa1/RET. As these receptors are expressed in distinct subgroups of neurons, we achieved sorting by targeted stimulation through NGF or GDNF. Methods: Piglet DRG neurons were cultured in the central compartment in medium with NGF or GDNF (50 ng/ml). One side compartment contained medium without growth factors, the other, NGF or GDNF (20, 50, 100 ng/ml). Developing processes can grow through a diffusion barrier into the side compartments. To assess the effect of the respective growth factors, the total length of processes was determined for each side compartment. By means of calcium-imaging, responsiveness of endings to algesic substances was investigated. Results: With NGF in the central compartment, processes only grow into the NGF-containing side compartment, dose dependently. With GDNF, processes grow both into the side compartments with and without GDNF. However, the total length was significantly higher in the compartment with GDNF. Without added growth factors, there was no outgrowth into the side compartments. By calcium-imaging we found capsaicin responsive and unresponsive endings. Conclusion: Using a compartmentalized culture chamber, spatial segregation of processes from the somata can be utilized to functionally sort processes of nociceptor subgroups by targeted use of growth factors.