According to an article in the journal Nature, a specific rare population of sensory neurons that express a receptor identified as MRGPRB4, is activated by massage-like stroking of skin that is populated by hair. These neurons are not activated by poking (which, scientifically speaking, is noxious punctate mechanical stimulation - a term that is tremendously marvelous). Activation of the MRGPRB4 receptors was determined to be "positively reinforcing and/or anxiolytic" - in layman's terms, enjoyable and soothing. Fascinating.
I would like to have my MRGPRB4 receptor-bearing neurons activated, please.
Tiny dog does indeed enjoy stimulation of MRGPRB4 receptor-bearing neurons.
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