Protocol to record single-unit sensory neurons in an intact mouse ex vivo muscle-nerve-DRG-spinal cord preparation

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons innervate peripheral tissues to relay tactile, thermal, and chemical information to the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we present a protocol to dissect an ex vivo preparation that retains anatomical innervation patterns to the hind paw muscles of the mouse. We also describe steps for directly recording single DRG neurons while applying physiologically relevant stimuli to their receptive fields. This protocol provides important information for studying sensory input from primary afferents. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Dourson et al.¹.