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Persistent Interruption in Parvalbumin-Positive Inhibitory Interneurons: Biophysical and Mathematical Mechanisms
Carol M Upchurch1, Christopher J Knowlton1, Simon Chamberland2
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112.
Eneuro
|June 17, 2024
Summary
Persistent interruption of firing in parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV-INs) is crucial for working memory. A slowly inactivating potassium current (KV1) enables robust, noise-resistant firing interruption in PV-INs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Persistent activity in pyramidal cells (PYRs) is linked to working memory.
- Persistent interruption of firing in parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV-INs) may support PYR persistent activity via disinhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism underlying persistent firing interruption in hippocampal CA1 PV-INs.
- To determine the role of the KV1 current in PV-IN excitability and firing dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Experimental characterization of hippocampal CA1 PV-INs.
- Mathematical modeling and analysis of neuronal excitability.
- Fast/slow separation of timescales and bifurcation analysis.
Main Results:
- Hippocampal CA1 PV-INs exhibit type 2 excitability.
- The KV1 current contributes to type 2 excitability and enables multiple firing regimes.
- KV1 inactivation provides a robust mechanism for persistent interruption of firing, unlike models without this slow variable.
Conclusions:
- The KV1 current is essential for robust, noise-resistant persistent firing interruption in PV-INs.
- This mechanism is broadly applicable to PV-INs across different brain regions.
- Persistent firing interruption in PV-INs offers a substrate for persistent activity in PYRs, supporting working memory.
