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.