:: infobox .infobox-celltype
Allen Atlas ID: CS202210140_3700
Lineage: Neuron > GABAergic > Interneuron > PV+ Interneuron
Markers: PVALB (Parvalbumin), CALB1, GAD1, GAD2
Brain Regions: [Cortex[/brain-regions/[cortex[/brain-regions/[cortex[/brain-regions/[cortex--TEMP--/brain-regions)--FIX-- (all layers), [Hippocampus[/brain-regions/[hippocampus[/brain-regions/[hippocampus[/brain-regions/[hippocampus--TEMP--/brain-regions)--FIX-- (CA1/CA3), Cerebellum (Purkinje cells layer)
Disease Vulnerability: Alzheimer's Disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Autism
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Parvalbumin Positive (Pv+) Interneurons is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons are a major class of inhibitory [neurons[/entities/[neurons[/entities/[neurons[/entities/[neurons--TEMP--/entities)--FIX-- in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, comprising approximately 20-30% of all cortical interneurons. These fast-spiking neurons are characterized by their expression of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PVALB) and their ability to generate high-frequency action potentials without adaptation. PV+ interneurons form powerful synaptic connections with the perisomatic region of pyramidal neurons—specifically targeting cell bodies and proximal dendrites—making them critical for controlling pyramidal neuron output and coordinating neural network oscillations. Their dysfunction is strongly implicated in schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and autism spectrum disorders, where they contribute to circuit-level abnormalities in gamma oscillations, sensory processing, and memory.
Two main subtypes in the cortex:
Basket Cells
Chandelier Cells (Axo-Axonic Cells)
In the hippocampus, PV+ cells include:
PV+ neurons exhibit distinctive firing properties:
PV+ interneurons are essential for gamma rhythms:
PV+ cells provide feedforward inhibition:
Strong PV+ interneuron involvement:
PV+ cells in seizure networks:
PV+ interneuron vulnerability in AD:
PV+ cell involvement in ASD:
The study of Parvalbumin Positive (Pv+) Interneurons has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Hu H, Gan J, Jonas P. "Fast-spiking, parvalbumin+ GABAergic interneurons: From cellular design to microcircuit function." Science (2014). PMID:25200100
Rudy B, Fishell G, Lee S, Hjerling-Leffler J. "Three groups of interneurons account for nearly 100% of neocortical GABAergic neurons." Developmental Neurobiology (2011). PMID:21350059
Lewis DA, Curley AA, Glausier JR, Volk DW. "Cortical parvalbumin interneurons and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia." Trends in Neurosciences (2012). PMID:22177924
Hu JS, Vogt D, Lindtner S, Sandberg M, Rubenstein JL. "Cortical interneuron development: a tale of time and space." Development (2017). PMID:28684626
Cardin JA, Carlen M, Meletis K, et al. "Driving fast-spiking cells induces gamma rhythm and controls sensory responses." Nature (2009). PMID:19405471
Verret L, Mann EO, Hang GB, et al. "Inhibitory neuron loss in an Alzheimer''s disease model." Neuron (2012). PMID:22481254
Marin O. "Interneuron dysfunction in psychiatric disorders." Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2012). PMID:22119442
Sohal VS, Zhang F, Yizhar O, Deisseroth K. "Parvalbumin neurons and gamma rhythms enhance cortical circuit performance." Nature (2009). PMID:19265651