Electrical coupling regulates layer 1 interneuron microcircuit formation in the neocortex.

ABSTRACT: The coexistence of electrical and chemical synapses among interneurons is essential for interneuron function in the neocortex. However, it remains largely unclear whether electrical coupling between interneurons influences chemical synapse formation and microcircuit assembly during development. Here, we show that electrical and GABAergic chemical connections robustly develop between interneurons in neocortical layer 1 over a similar time course. Electrical coupling promotes action potential generation and synchronous firing between layer 1 interneurons. Furthermore, electrically coupled interneurons exhibit strong GABA-A receptor-mediated synchronous synaptic activity. Disruption of electrical coupling leads to a loss of bidirectional, but not unidirectional, GABAergic connections. Moreove

SUBMITTER: Yao XH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4987578 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature