Neural labeling and manipulation by neonatal intraventricular viral injection in mice

This step-by-step protocol provides a fast and easy technique to label and/or genetically manipulate neural cells, achieved by intraventricular injection of viral vectors into neonatal mice under ultrasound guidance. Successful injection of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) induces neural transduction as fast as 3 days post injection (dpi) in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Virally driven expression persists until early adulthood. The same setup enables injection of other viral vectors as well as intramuscular injection. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wang et al. (2021) and Brill et al. (2016).