POMC neurons modulate infant vocalizations through opioid signaling

Infants cry when separated from their mothers. Here, we show that POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus--via {beta}-endorphin production and signaling--modulate the crying behavior of mouse pups. The effect of POMC neurons on vocal behavior depends on the expression of {micro}-opioid receptors, the main receptor for {beta}-endorphin. Thus, POMC neurons in the hypothalamus modulate infant cry through opioid signaling.