Fig. 1.
Distribution of eGFP-expressing interneurons in the neocortex and their intrinsic and synaptic properties. A: a photomicrograph showing the distribution of fluorescent cells in the neocortex (a coronal section) taken with a fluorescent microscope. B and C: immunostaining for SS and PV, respectively. Pictures were taken with a confocal microscope. All eGFP-expressing neurons colabeled with SS antibody but no eGFP-expressing neurons were stained with PV antibody. D: a representative current-clamp recording showing the typical firing pattern to suprathreshold current injection (300 pA) with frequency adaptation. E: an averaged trace showing short-term facilitation of EPSCs evoked by 5-pulse train stimulation (20 Hz). F: NMDAR-mediated EPSCs recorded at a holding potential of −35 mV. AMPA and GABAA components were blocked by NBQX (10 μM) and picrotoxin (50 μM), respectively. AP5 (50 μM) blocked the NMDAR-mediated EPSCs (arrow). eGFP, enhanced green fluorescent protein; SS, somatostatin; PV, parvalbumin; EPSC, excitatory postsynaptic current; NMDAR, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor; AMPA, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid; GABAA, γ-aminobutyric acid type A; NBQX, 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione; AP5, d-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid.