Synchronous activity of inhibitory networks in neocortex requires electrical synapses containing connexin36

Michael R. Deans, Jay R. Gibson, Caterina Sellitto, Barry W. Connors, David L. Paul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

477 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inhibitory interneurons often generate synchronous activity as an emergent property of their interconnections. To determine the role of electrical synapses in such activity, we constructed mice expressing histochemical reporters in place of the gap junction protein Cx36. Localization of the reporter with somatostatin and parvalbumin suggested that Cx36 was expressed largely by interneurons. Electrical synapses were common among cortical interneurons in controls but were nearly absent in knockouts. A metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist excited LTS interneurons, generating rhythmic inhibitory potentials in surrounding neurons of both wild-type and knockout animals. However, the synchrony of these rhythms was weaker and more spatially restricted in the knockout. We conclude that electrical synapses containing Cx36 are critical for the generation of widespread, synchronous inhibitory activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)477-485
Number of pages9
JournalNeuron
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 16 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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