Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of Ca2+ currents from isolated neonatal mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons

Primary culture of sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) is a widely used model for studying Ca(2+) channels. DRG neurons can be collected from neonate or adult mice; the production of cultures can take a couple of hours, and cells so derived can be used almost immediately or maintained for as long as 1 wk. This method allows the isolation of neurons for numerous experimental purposes, including whole-cell patch-clamp recording. The purpose of this protocol is to provide a description of methods commonly used for the harvest and growth of DRG neonatal neurons as well as for recording whole-cell currents through voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels in these cells.