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Intracortical Inhibition Within the Primary Motor Cortex Can Be Modulated by Changing the Focus of Attention
Published on: September 11, 2017
Cortical inhibitory neurons and schizophrenia
David A Lewis1, Takanori Hashimoto, David W Volk
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. lewisda@upmc.edu
Schizophrenia impairs working memory due to reduced GABA synthesis in the brain. Targeting TrkB receptor signaling may restore neuronal activity and improve cognitive function in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Working memory impairments are a hallmark of schizophrenia.
- Reduced signaling through the TrkB neurotrophin receptor is implicated in schizophrenia's cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between TrkB signaling deficiency, GABA synthesis, and working memory deficits in schizophrenia.
- To elucidate the impact of altered GABAergic inhibition on neuronal synchrony in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of TrkB neurotrophin receptor signaling pathways.
- Assessment of GABA synthesis in parvalbumin-containing neurons.
- Evaluation of perisomatic inhibition and gamma-frequency synchrony in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Main Results:
- A deficiency in TrkB signaling reduces GABA synthesis in specific inhibitory neurons in schizophrenia.
- Compensatory mechanisms do not fully restore perisomatic inhibition.
- Altered inhibition impairs gamma-frequency synchronized neuronal activity essential for working memory.
Conclusions:
- Reduced TrkB signaling and subsequent GABA synthesis deficits contribute to working memory dysfunction in schizophrenia.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting TrkB signaling could improve cognitive function in schizophrenia.
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