Cited by 163Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeural dynamics and brain functionMemory and Neural Mechanisms

Depolarizing effect of neocortical chandelier neurons

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Woodruff, Alan·2009·Frontiers in Neural Circuits

Abstract

Chandelier (or axo-axonic) cells are one of the most distinctive types of GABAergic interneurons in the cortex. Although they have traditionally been considered inhibitory neurons, data from rat and human neocortical preparations suggest that chandelier cells have a depolarizing effect on pyramidal neurons at resting membrane potential, and could even activate synaptic chains of neurons. At the same time, recent results from rat hippocampal chandeliers indicate a predominantly inhibitory effect on their postsynaptic targets. To better understand the function of chandelier neurons, we generated Nkx2.1Cre MADM mice, a strain of genetically engineered animals that, by expressing GFP in a subset of neocortical interneurons, enable the identification and targeting of chandelier cells in living brain slices. Using these mice, we characterized the basic electrophysiological properties of a homogeneous population of chandelier neurons from upper layers of somatosensory cortical slices. These chandelier cells have characteristic axon cartridges and stereotypical electrophysiological features, distinguishable from basket cells. To investigate the effect of chandelier cells on target neurons, we performed paired recordings from chandeliers and postsynaptic pyramidal cells. In both perforated patch and cell-attached configurations, chandelier PSPs have in every case a reversal potential that is depolarized from rest. Our results support the idea that chandelier cells depolarize pyramidal neurons and could potentially have an excitatory effect on the network at rest.

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Crossref · 10.3389/neuro.04.015.2009

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  • Axo-axonic/chandelier cells are also considered fast spiking, although some intrinsic electrophysiological differences from PV basket cells have been reported.

    “Axo-axonic or chandelier cells are also considered fast spiking, although some differences in intrinsic electrophysiological properties with PV basket cells have been reported”

    From GABAergic Interneurons in the Neocortex: From Cellular Properties to Circuits (2016) · cites this paper as Woodruff et al., 2009

  • Both hippocampal and neocortical AACs have origins in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) with specification driven by the homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2.1.

    “Both hippocampal and neocortical AACs have origins in MGE with specification driven by the homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2.1 (1097, 1137, 1218).”

    From Hippocampal GABAergic Inhibitory Interneurons (2017) · cites this paper as [1218]

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Authors
Woodruff, A.
Affiliations
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (US)
Corresponding author
Woodruff, Alan
Venue
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
Published
2009
Volume
3
Pages
15-15
ISSN
1662-5110 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2156874940
Cited by
163
References
39
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 16
FWCI
7.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
other-oa
Locations
  • Frontiers in Neural Circuits (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Columbia Academic Commons (Columbia University)
Funders
  • National Institute of Mental Health (MH066912, K02MH070031, R01MH066912, MH070031)
  • National Eye Institute (EY-11787, R01EY011787)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Keywords
chandelier cells, neocortex, pyramidal neurons, GABAergic interneurons, synaptic inhibition, somatosensory cortex, paired recordings, basket cells

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