Dorsal root recording relevant for mating reflexes in female rats: identification of receptive fields and effects of peripheral denervation.

Cutaneous receptive fields of dorsal roots T11 through S3 in rats were mapped by recording dorsal root multiple unit activity. The receptive fields, having the shape of transverse bands on the skin, are arranged in order according to their dorsal roots, and there are extensive overlaps between adjacent fields. Routes followed by peripheral sensory innervation of skin were also studied by observing effects of various methods of skin denervation on dorsal root responses to cutaneous stimulation. The results are discussed with respect to the somatosensory control of female rat mating reflexes.