title: New dimensions of interneuronal specialization unmasked by principal cell heterogeneity.
abstract: Although the diversity of neocortical and hippocampal GABAergic interneurons is recognized in terms of their anatomical, molecular and functional properties, principal cells are usually assumed to constitute homogenous populations. However, even within a single layer, subpopulations of principal cells can often be differentiated by their distinct long-range projection targets. Such subpopulations of principal cells can have different local connection properties and excitatory inputs, forming subnetworks that may serve as separate information-processing channels. Interestingly, as reviewed here, recent evidence has revealed specific instances where interneuron cell types selectively innervated distinct subpopulations of principal cells, targeting only those with particular long-distance projection targets. This organization represents a novel form of interneuron specialization, providing interneurons with the potential to selectively regulate specific information-processing streams.
authors: Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1280, USA. ekrookma@uci.edu
authors: Esther
authors: E
authors: Krook-Magnuson
authors: Csaba
authors: C
authors: Varga
authors: Sang-Hun
authors: SH
authors: Lee
authors: Ivan
authors: I
authors: Soltesz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007395:Interneurons / Q000502:physiology*; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid