Interneurons unbound.
Local-circuit, gamma-aminobutyric acid-releasing inhibitory interneurons of the hippocampus and cortex have traditionally been considered as the regulators of principal neuron activity--the yin to the excitatory yang. Recent evidence indicates that, in addition to that role, their network connectivity and the properties of their intrinsic voltage-gated currents are finely tuned to permit inhibitory interneurons to generate and control the rhythmic output of large populations of both principal cells and other populations of inhibitory interneurons. This review brings together recently described properties and emerging principles of interneuron function that indicate a much more complex role for these cells than just providers of inhibition.
Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Room 5A72, Building 49, 49 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4495, USA. chrismcb@codon.nih.gov
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CJ
McBain
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Fisahn
D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007395:Interneurons / Q000502:physiology*; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000502:physiology; D018092:Kainic Acid Receptors / Q000502:physiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology*
D007473:Ion Channels; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D018092:Kainic Acid Receptors; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid