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Prefrontal Parvalbumin Neurons Mediate Working Memory In A Task Demand-dependent Manner.

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Prefrontal Parvalbumin Neurons Mediate Working Memory In A Task Demand-dependent Manner.

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Prefrontal parvalbumin neurons mediate working memory in a task demand-dependent manner.

Tyler D Dexter^1,2, Meira M F Machado³, Shahnaza Hamidullah^4,3

¹Neuroscience Program, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada. tydexter@health.ucsd.edu.

Nature Communications

|June 9, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Prefrontal cortex parvalbumin-expressing neurons are crucial for high-demand working memory. Their activity levels directly correlate with task difficulty, resolving previous conflicting findings on their role.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is vital for working memory.
Parvalbumin-expressing neurons (PVNs) are inhibitory cells in the PFC, implicated in cognitive functions but with conflicting roles in working memory.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the specific role of prefrontal PVNs in working memory.
To determine how PVN activity relates to task demands in working memory paradigms.

Main Methods:

In vivo fiber photometry and optogenetics were used in mice.
PVN activity was recorded and manipulated during a touchscreen working memory task.

Main Results:

PVN involvement in working memory was found to be task-dependent.
Heightened PVN activity was necessary only under high-demand working memory conditions.

Conclusions:

The role of prefrontal PVNs in working memory is contingent on cognitive load.
Task difficulty differences may explain prior conflicting results on PVN function in working memory.