Two networks of electrically coupled inhibitory neurons in neocortex

Jay R. Gibson, Michael Belerlein, Barry W. Connors

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1174 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inhibitory interneurons are critical to sensory transformations plasticity and synchronous activity in the neocortex. There are many types of inhibitory neurons, but their synaptic organization is poorly understood. Here we describe two functionally distinct inhibitory networks comprising either fast-spiking (FS) or low-threshold spiking (LTS) neurons. Paired-cell recordings showed that inhibitory neurons of the same type were strongly interconnected by electrical synapses, but electrical synapses between different inhibitory cell types were rare. The electrical synapses were strong enough to synchronize spikes in coupled interneurons. Inhibitory chemical synapses were also common between FS cells, and between FS and LTS cells, but LTS cells rarely inhibited one another. Thalamocortical synapses, which convey sensory information to the cortex, specifically and strongly excited only the FS cell network. The electrical and chemical synaptic connections of different types of inhibitory neurons are specific, and may allow each inhibitory network to function independently.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)75-79
Number of pages5
JournalNature
Volume402
Issue number6757
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 4 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Two networks of electrically coupled inhibitory neurons in neocortex'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this