Protocol for stimulating specific rodent limb receptive fields while recording in vivo somatosensory-evoked activity

Abstract

Summary: Studies on sensory information processing typically focus on whisker-related tactile information, overlooking the question of how sensory inputs from other body areas are processed at cortical levels. Here, we present a protocol for stimulating specific rodent limb receptive fields while recording in vivo somatosensory-evoked activity. We describe steps for localizing cortical-hindlimb coordinates using acute peripheral stimulation, electrode placement, and the application of electrical stimulation. This protocol overcomes the challenge of inducing a reproducible and consistent stimulation of specific limbs.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Miguel-Quesada et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Health Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Behavior