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A subclass of C fibre sensory neurons found in hairy skin are activated by gentle touch [1] and respond optimally to stroking at ∼1-10 cm/s, serving a protective function by promoting affiliative behaviours. In adult humans, stimulation of these C-tactile (CT) afferents is pleasant, and can reduce pain perception [2]. Touch-based techniques, such as infant massage and kangaroo care, are designed to comfort infants during procedures, and a modest reduction in pain-related behavioural and physiological responses has been observed in some studies [3]. Here, we investigated whether touch can reduce noxious-evoked brain activity. We demonstrate that stroking (at 3 cm/s) prior to an experimental noxious stimulus or clinical heel lance can attenuate noxious-evoked brain activity in infants. CT fibres may represent a biological target for non-pharmacological interventions that modulate pain in early life.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.cub.2018.11.014

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Biol

Publication Date

17/12/2018

Volume

28

Pages

R1380 - R1381

Keywords

Brain, Electroencephalography, Female, Hair, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Male, Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated, Sensory Receptor Cells, Skin, Skin Physiological Phenomena, Touch, Touch Perception