VIP-Expressing GABAergic Neurons: Disinhibitory vs. Inhibitory Motif and Its Role in Communication Across Neocortical
Alfonso Junior Apicella1, Ivan Marchionni2,3
1Department of Biology, Neurosciences Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|February 28, 2022
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons, a small group of GABAergic neurons, primarily inhibit other inhibitory neurons, disinhibiting pyramidal neurons. Their selective control impacts animal behavior and cortical activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- GABAergic neurons are critical for cortical activity regulation.
- Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-expressing neurons are a specific subclass of GABAergic neurons with unique properties.
- Studying these neurons is challenging due to their small numbers and complex roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical features, circuit properties, and behavioral roles of VIP-expressing neurons.
- To explore their function in modulating cortical activity and influencing behavior.
- To highlight the potential of VIP neurons in selective activation/inactivation for behavioral effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies using transgenic mice with fluorescently labeled VIP neurons.
- Application of optogenetic techniques to control VIP neuron activity.
- Ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, including paired recordings, in cortical preparations.
Main Results:
- VIP neurons are predominantly found in superficial cortical layers.
- They primarily inhibit somatostatin-expressing (SOM) inhibitory neurons, leading to disinhibition of pyramidal neurons.
- VIP neurons also interact with other neuronal types, suggesting diverse circuit functions beyond disinhibition.
Conclusions:
- VIP-expressing neurons, despite their small numbers, play a significant role in cortical circuits and animal behavior.
- Their heterogeneity and diverse connectivity suggest involvement in various functions through local and distal modulation.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate their roles across cortical layers and areas.
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