POMC neurons modulate infant vocalizations through opioid signaling

Ortiz, G. M. B.; Dietrich, M. O.

doi:10.1101/2022.08.15.504046

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.08.15.504046

POMC neurons modulate infant vocalizations through opioid signaling

Ortiz, G. M. B.·Dietrich, M. O.

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Abstract

Infants cry when separated from their mothers. Here, we show that POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus--via {beta}-endorphin production and signaling--modulate the crying behavior of mouse pups. The effect of POMC neurons on vocal behavior depends on the expression of {micro}-opioid receptors, the main receptor for {beta}-endorphin. Thus, POMC neurons in the hypothalamus modulate infant cry through opioid signaling.

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Ortiz, G. M. B., Dietrich, M. O.. 2022-08-15. POMC neurons modulate infant vocalizations through opioid signaling. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.15.504046

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