Lateral inhibition by Martinotti interneurons is facilitated by cholinergic inputs in human and mouse neocortex

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06628-w
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01T12:34:13Z
• Authors: Joshua Obermayer; Tim S. Heistek; Amber Kerkhofs; Natalia A. Goriou...; Tim Kroon; Johannes C. Baayen; Sander Idema; Guilherme Testa-S...; Jonathan J. Couey; Huibert D. Mansve...
• Keywords: Neocortex; Interneuron

Abstract A variety of inhibitory pathways encompassing different interneuron types shape activity neocortical pyramidal neurons. While basket cells (BCs) mediate fast lateral inhibition between neurons, Somatostatin-positive Martinotti (MCs) a delayed form inhibition. Neocortical circuits are under control acetylcholine, which is crucial for cortical function and cognition. Acetylcholine modulates MC firing, however, precisely how cholinergic inputs affect not known. Here, we find that selectively augment speed up neurons mediated by MCs, but BCs. Optogenetically activated depolarize MCs through activation ß2 subunit-containing nicotinic AChRs, muscarinic without affecting glutamatergic to MCs. We these mechanisms conserved in human neocortex. Cholinergic thus enable recruit more can thereby dynamically highlight specific circuit motifs, favoring MC-mediated over BC-mediated pathways.