Maternal care during early development is necessary for the acquisition of a calming response to back stroking
Sachine Yoshida, Akiko Harauma, Toru Moriguchi, Yousuke Tsuneoka, Kimiya Narikiyo, Kazuya Miyanishi, Makoto Kashima, Makoto Wada, Yu Hayashi, Hiromasa Funato
This study shows that early maternal tactile experience is necessary for a calming response to back stroking in humans and mice, mediated by hypothalamic Cacna1b expression.
bioRxiv · Aug 26, 2025 · PreprintNeuroscience