interneuroners

Interneurons, the standard term for neurons that connect other neurons within the central nervous system, form local circuits that integrate and process neural information. The term “interneuroners” is a nonstandard form and is rarely used in scientific literature.

Interneurons are highly diverse in their morphology, neurotransmitter phenotype, and connectivity. A large fraction of cortical interneurons are inhibitory, using GABA (and sometimes glycine) to restrain activity and shape network dynamics. Excitatory interneurons that release glutamate also exist, but are less common in many cortical circuits. Classification often relies on function and molecular markers, with well-known subtypes including parvalbumin-, somatostatin-, and VIP-expressing cells, which differ in wiring and influence on oscillations and plasticity. Morphological classes such as basket, chandelier, and Stellate cells describe specific axonal and dendritic patterns.

Development and placement in circuits: Interneurons largely originate outside the cortex, in regions such as the ventral telencephalon, and migrate into the cerebral cortex and other brain regions during development. In the cortex, they occupy diverse cortical layers and integrate into local microcircuits, whereas spinal interneurons participate in reflex pathways and modulation of motor commands.

Function: By providing inhibition or disinhibition, interneurons regulate timing, synchronization, and gain across neural networks. They contribute to brain rhythms such as gamma oscillations and help control information flow, contrast, and plasticity in sensory and cognitive circuits.

Clinical and research relevance: Alterations in interneuron function and the balance of excitation and inhibition are linked to epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia. Researchers study interneurons using electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, genetic labeling, and optogenetics to dissect their roles in circuit function and disease.