Abstract
C-fiber tactile afferents are a subpopulation of unmyelinated cutaneous sensory neurons activated by gentle stroking. Using a genetically encoded tracer, we found that Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor B4 marks a rare subpopulation of unmyelinated, nonpeptidergic sensory fibers that exclusively innervate hairy skin. These fibers terminate in large arborizations similar in size and distribution to C-fiber tactile afferent receptive fields, suggesting that MrgprB4 may provide genetic access to these elusive neurons in mice.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Afferent Pathways / physiology
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Embryo, Mammalian
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Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
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Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis
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Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods
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Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / metabolism*
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Neurons, Afferent / metabolism*
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Neurons, Afferent / physiology
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Neurons, Afferent / ultrastructure
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Physical Stimulation
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
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Skin / innervation
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Spinal Cord / metabolism
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Stem Cells / metabolism
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Touch*
Substances
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MrgprB4 protein, mouse
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Green Fluorescent Proteins