Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
14:37
Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings from Morphologically- and Neurochemically-identified Hippocampal Interneurons
Published on: September 30, 2014
24.6K
Parvalbumin - Positive Neurons in the Neocortex: A Review
R Druga1, M Salaj, A Al-Redouan
1Department of Anatomy, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic. martin.salaj@lfmotol.cuni.cz.
Physiological Research
|August 11, 2023
Summary
Parvalbumin (PV) neurons are key inhibitory cells in the mammalian neocortex, forming networks that generate gamma oscillations. This review details their connections, properties, and roles in cortical circuits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Parvalbumin (PV) is a calcium-binding protein found in a specific subset of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons within the mammalian neocortex.
- PV-expressing interneurons constitute the largest group of inhibitory cells in the neocortex and are recognized for their role in generating gamma oscillations.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes existing data on the distribution, afferent and efferent connections, and physiological characteristics of PV-positive neurons in the neocortex.
- It examines the involvement of PV-positive neurons in cortical microcircuits, including their autaptic connections, metabolism, and association with perineuronal nets (PNNs).
Key Points:
- PV-positive interneurons are crucial for neocortical inhibition and network oscillations.
- Understanding PV neuron connectivity and physiology is essential for deciphering cortical circuit function.
- The review covers distribution, synaptic interactions, physiological properties, and PNNs of PV neurons.
Conclusions:
- PV-expressing neurons are fundamental components of neocortical inhibitory networks.
- Further research into PV neuron characteristics will illuminate their precise roles in brain function and dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Neuron Structure
Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
01:25Neural Circuits
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...