Chandelier neuron

Chandelier neurons or chandelier cells are a subset of GABA-ergic cortical interneurons. They are described as parvalbumin-containing and fast-spiking to distinguish them from other subtypes of GABAergic neurons. The name comes from the specific shape of their axon arbors, with the terminals forming distinct arrays called "cartridges". The cartridges are immunoreactive to an isoform of the GABA membrane transporter, GAT-1, and this serves as their identifying feature. Borden LA (1996) "GABA transporter heterogeneity: pharmacology and cellular localization." Neurochem Int; 29:335–356 PMID 8939442] Hardwick C, French SJ, Southam E, Totterdell S. (2005) "A comparison of possible markers for chandelier cartridges in rat medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus." Brain Res. 1031(2):238-44. PMID 15649449] GAT-1 is involved in the process of GABA reuptake into nerve terminals, thus helping to terminate its synaptic activity. Chandelier neurons synapse exclusively to the axon initial segment of pyramidal neurons, near the site where action potential is generated. It is believed that they provide inhibitory input to the pyramidal neurons, but there is data showing that in some circumstances the GABA from chandelier neurons could be excitatory. Szabadics J, Varga C, Molnár G, Oláh S, Barzó P, Tamás G. "Excitatory effect of GABAergic axo-axonic cells in cortical microcircuits." Science . 2006 Jan 13 ; 311(5758):233-5 PMID 16410524]

In schizophrenia, scientists observe changes in their form and functionality, such as 40% decrease in the axon terminal density. Pierri JN, Chaudry AS, Woo T-UW, Lewis DA: "Alterations in chandelier neuron axon terminals in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic subjects." Am J Psychiatry 1999; 156:1709–1719 PMID 10553733 [http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/156/11/1709 free fulltext article] ]

External links

* [http://www.schizophreniaforum.org/for/int/Lewis/lewis.asp SRF interviews David Lewis] - an interview touching on the GABAergic neuronal disfunction in schizophrenia and the role of the chandelier cells.

* [http://www.tnp.pitt.edu/research/develop_mb.htm Cortical Development] - images of chandelier neurons and information on their developmental changes. Translational Neuroscience Program at the University of Pittsburg.

References