Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
08:16
Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
2.7K
Enhanced responses to somatostatin interneuron activation in developmentally malformed cortex
Nicole B Ekanem1, Laura K Reed1, Nicole Weston1
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia.
Epilepsia Open
|June 7, 2019
Summary
Somatostatin (SSt) interneurons in malformed brain regions show enhanced inhibitory output, paradoxically leading to hyperexcitability and seizures in epilepsy. This finding offers a new target for epilepsy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epileptology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Intractable epilepsy frequently co-occurs with developmental cortical malformations.
- Previous work identified altered non-fast-spiking somatostatin (SSt) interneurons in the epileptogenic paramicrogyral region (PMR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional output of SSt interneurons in the PMR using optogenetics.
- To determine the circuit-level impact of SSt interneuron activity on neuronal excitability and epileptiform activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized SSt-Cre mice crossed with channelrhodopsin-2 expressing mice for optogenetic manipulation.
- Performed voltage clamp recordings in layer V pyramidal neurons to assess SSt-evoked inhibition.
- Induced epileptiform activity in ex vivo brain slices using low-Mg2+ artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF).
Main Results:
- SSt interneurons exhibited significantly enhanced evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in PMR pyramidal neurons compared to controls.
- Optogenetic activation of SSt neurons triggered field potential epileptiform activity specifically in the PMR cortex.
- Despite enhanced inhibition, the net network effect was hyperexcitability and seizure-like activity.
Conclusions:
- SSt interneurons in the PMR exert a stronger inhibitory influence on excitatory neurons.
- Enhanced SSt inhibition paradoxically leads to network hyperexcitability and epileptiform discharges.
- SSt interneurons represent a novel therapeutic target for modulating epilepsy associated with cortical malformations.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
1.5K
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
1.5K
01:29Three Developmental Domains
1.0K
Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
1.0K
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
83.5K
Overview
83.5K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.1K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
9.1K
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
5.8K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.8K
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
12.0K
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
12.0K