Novel mechanism of human fetal growth regulation: A potential role of lanugo, vernix caseosa and a second tactile system of unmyelinated low-threshold C-afferents
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Abstract
Novel hypothesis of human fetal growth regulation in amniotic fluid environment integrates
lanugo, vernix caseosa and a second tactile system of unmyelinated low-threshold C-afferents
- all three forming a unique natural instrument powerfully speeding fetal growth during
mid-gestation and lowering its tempo at the end of gestation. Repeated oscillations
of lanugo hairs encased by vernix caseosa during fetal movements in amniotic fluid
activate highly sensitive mechanoreceptors connected to unmyelinated C-afferents,
which prime function is to conduct originated impulses from all fetal skin dermatoms
via spinal cord and to activate vagal sensory zone, hypothalamus and insular cortex,
for concomitant promotion of the anti-stress effect through oxytocin release, and
stimulation of fetal growth by the incretin effect of gastrointestinal hormones.