GABAergic Interneurons in the Neocortex: From Cellular Properties to Circuits.
Robin Tremblay1, Soohyun Lee1, Bernardo Rudy2
1Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Neuron
|August 2, 2016
Summary
GABAergic interneurons, though few, are diverse and crucial for cortical network function. Their varied properties enhance computational power and sculpt brain dynamics through inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Cortical networks rely on excitatory and inhibitory neurons for signal processing.
- GABAergic interneurons, despite their minority status, exhibit significant heterogeneity.
- This diversity is defined by morphology, electrophysiology, molecular profiles, and activity patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on neocortical interneuron diversity.
- To explore the properties that differentiate GABAergic interneuron cell types.
- To discuss the role of interneuron diversity in enhancing cortical computational capacity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neocortical interneurons.
- Analysis of cellular properties including morphology, electrophysiology, and molecular features.
- Examination of connectivity and in vivo activity patterns.
Main Results:
- GABAergic interneurons form distinct functional classes.
- Cellular properties of interneurons are key to their functional specialization.
- Diverse interneuron types contribute to the computational power of cortical circuits.
Conclusions:
- Interneuron heterogeneity is fundamental to cortical network operations.
- Specific cellular properties of GABAergic interneurons enable complex network dynamics.
- Advances in research illuminate the mechanisms of GABAergic inhibition in the brain.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Neural Circuits
3.1K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
3.1K
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
4.2K
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
4.2K
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
4.6K
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
4.6K
01:28Neuronal Communication
4.3K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
4.3K
01:28Electrical Synapses
11.6K
Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
11.6K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
7.0K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
7.0K