In the spinal cord dorsal horn, sensory circuits undergo remarkable
postnatal reorganisation, including refinement of primary afferent A-fibres in
the superficial layers, accompanied by decreased cutaneous sensitivity. Here we
show a physiological role of microglia necessary for normal development of
dorsal horn sensory circuits and tactile sensitivity. In the absence of
microglial engulfment, superfluous A-fibre projections persist, leading to
lifelong hypersensitivity to dynamic touch.
C‐low threshold mechanoafferent targeted dynamic touch modulates stress resilience in rats exposed to chronic mild stress